The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort;

4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with

which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

If you’ve ever seen a small boy fall off of his bicycle or a small girl trip and skin her knee, you’ve probably witnessed others a bit older race to offer help and comfort. If you’ve been an on-looker at such an unwelcome event, you may even have thanked the one who helped those who were in need.

Follow that little boy or girl through life and note that afflictions are still with them. Yet, instead of a skinned knee or fright of some kind, it’s a lost job or the separation from a loved one. Often, afflictions come because some have chosen to yield their lives to Christ and share the joys of knowing and loving Him. Still, the joy they share often results in the loss of friends. They then suffer affliction of a different kind.

Paul’s emphasis is upon the LORD, whom he calls “the Father of mercies…and…comfort.” The word comfort (?????????? (paraklesis) means encouragement. So, whether the one rushing to assist the injured is able to attend to his physical needs or not, he is first and foremost an encourager. The LORD sees us in tragic circumstances and is always there to encourage us. He encourages us by His very presence; and He is always able and willing to help.

Thus, whether your suffering (??????, thlipsis, affliction, tribulation) is trivial or severe, the LORD is our encouragement. How

then, are we to treat the afflictions of those around us? Is there a better way than by sharing with them the tribulations of the LORD Himself –or of those who have been afflicted because they loved and followed Him? Just remember: “…as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom