"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. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ".
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
The same God who allows suffering to enter our lives, is the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort". There is no depth of comfort such as that which we receive from God Himself. He is able to deliver healing to our very souls. Then, when we have experienced God's soul-healing comfort, we know better how to encourage others. In God's economy, we learn from Him and then use what He has taught us to help others. The Christian who has come through a great trial, is best equipped to minister to others who are hurting.
Nancy, that is one of my favorite verses of scripture. When I was going through a terrible crisis, God used that verse to give me hope that one day I'd be able to comfort others going through a similar thing.
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