The Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NKJV)

From where does our comfort come? All comfort comes from the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. Our God is the author of mercy and all mercy is originated from God. “For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.’” (Romans 9:14 NKJV) “…you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6 NKJV)

God comforts us in all our tribulation so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. What is tribulation? It means a great suffering, especially internal pressure with no way of escape. Often sufferings are caused by the external troubles, but not necessarily. Tribulation may come when you get up in the morning suddenly and out of nowhere that your heart’s pressured and stressed heavily. You may be overburdened when you go to work on Monday morning. You may encounter a strange reaction of your boss or coworkers when everything is going okay and normal. You may be cut in line when driving. Many things can happen to anyone unexpectedly and without warning. In fact, no one can deny that life is full of troubles and heartaches.

Why do we all experience the thuds and bumps routinely in our midst? We all ever want to get better and loose from the daily troubles. No wonder everyone is dreaming of early retirement. There is something terribly gone wrong in our humanity regardless of whatever it may be called like sin, destiny, fate, or doom. Here is an amazing statement made by God after the fall of man as the ultimate prescription for the restoration process of humanity.

“Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:

“Cursed is the ground for your sake;

In toil you shall eat of it

All the days of your life.

Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,

And you shall eat the herb of the field.

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread

Till you return to the ground,

For out of it you were taken;

For dust you are,

And to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:17-19 NKJV)

God knows us much better and deeper than we know ourselves. There is reason why we cannot escape all the distresses, anguishes, despairs, miseries, and sorrows one after another. No one is without exception. All trials are common to all, says Paul. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)

All sufferings are designed and given unto His beloved children to be disciplined and trained in order to produce patience, character, and hope. The hope does not disappoint, because the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Spirit (Romans 5:4-5). So, that’s why Christians are told to rejoice in the sufferings. No sufferings, no consolations. Christ suffered, wounded, mocked, sorrowed, and died and buried in our place. Christ crucified also rose again from the dead in order to comfort us who partake His sufferings as saying, “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” Just as we partake of His sufferings, so also we will partake of His marvelous consolation sealed by the resurrection power of God. That’s the true comfort!