The God of All Comfort

“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 affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
—2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Paul begins his letter with a flood of one word—comfort. In the first chapter alone, he uses it over and over again. Ten times in just a few verses he points us to the God of all comfort. But this word does not mean what many think.

In English, comfort often means softness, ease, or relief. But the Greek word Paul used is paraklēsis. It comes from two words: para (alongside) and kaleō (to call). It means “to be called alongside to help.” Comfort is not a pillow—it is strength.

This is the same root word Jesus used in John 14:16 when He promised the Spirit: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever.” The Helper (Paraklētos) is one who comes alongside, who stands with us, who strengthens us.

That changes everything. When Paul says God is the God of all comfort, he is saying that God steps into our affliction. He comes alongside us with courage, with strength to endure. And it doesn’t stop there. Paul says God comforts us so that we can comfort others. His strengthening presence in us is meant to flow out to others who are hurting.

God’s comfort is not passive. It is active. It does not make life easy but makes His people strong. The same God who stands with you in your trial equips you to stand with others in theirs. That is the God of all comfort.

When we face suffering, it is easy to ask God to take it away. But Paul shows us something greater. God’s comfort is not just for escape—it is for endurance. He comes alongside us so we can stand, and then He calls us to walk alongside others in their pain. Every time you encourage a hurting soul, every time you speak hope into despair, you are passing on the very comfort God gave you. That is how His strength multiplies.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)