Some of the ways in which God comforts and how we can comfort each other including: reframing, touch, presence, and so on.

2. 2 CORINTHIANS 1
Verses 3 and 4:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all
comfort, who comforts us in all our
troubles, so that we can comfort those in
any trouble with the comfort we
ourselves receive from God.”

3. HOW DOES GOD COMFORT US?
Things that bring comfort to people include:
• Reframing
• Presence (company)
• Being “Seen” (others bearing witness to their experience)
• Reasons for future hope
• Touch
How does The God of Comfort meet us in our distresses and losses
in these ways?

4. REFRAMING – GENESIS 50: 20
Putting a particular set of experiences or facts into a different
“frame” so as to illuminate potential positives.
Example:
Seeing difficulties as “an opportunity for growth”
Re-contextualizing into a bigger or grander picture
Opening a vision of purpose – how this will be used for good
Compare / Contrast

5. PRESENCE -
The comfort of having another close takes the edge off pain and
loss. “I’m here with you”
“Even when the way goes through
Death Valley
I’m not afraid when You walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure” (Psalm 23: 4 – Message)

6. BEING “SEEN” – OTHERS BEARING WITNESS
It is comforting to know others “see us” when we are in distress.
Co-mourning
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12: 15)
Acknowledge Losses – Validate
“That must have been difficult for you”
“I’m sorry for your loss”
Attending Silence
(What Job’s friends should have offered!)

7. REASONS FOR FUTURE HOPE
God’s promises means He will get the “last word” over our lives and any situation
we face.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the
glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8: 18).
Reminding that the present losses and pains, though real, are temporary
and do not have the last word over our future. The Comforter (whether
God Himself or us acting in His Name) helps bear the weight which gives
strength to endure until brighter days – here on earth, or in the blessed
state of the Age to Come.

8. TOUCH
The Skin –
A hug, a gentle and reassuring touch, sitting close, etc
Genesis 45: 14, 15
The Heart –
Compassion. Good will. Friendship. Attending care
Psalm 73: 25 – 28 (Message – next slide)

9. “GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART”
“You’re all I want in heaven!
You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
GOD is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of GOD—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord GOD my home.
GOD, I’m telling the world what you do!”