The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

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,

4 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.

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

6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;

7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.”

It was indeed a cold day, and it grew colder as the day began turning to night. I well remember those cold days in my youth. Yet, they never seemed cold until my boyish strength gave out. Then the cold set in, and it was good to be inside and by the fire.

My grandmother used to cover me with what she called a “comfort.” It was actually a heavy cloth simply called by that name. But it was indeed a comfort—especially to a small boy who had played too long in the cold outdoors.

As I grew older, I learned that the LORD Jesus Christ was the God of all comfort. Numerous situations required care that only He could provide. Afflictions, sufferings, and multiple things not covered by my human “comfort” were then required. I learned to lean on Jesus for divine comfort. Some afflictions require more than human comfort can provide. Further, along with His comfort is clear and careful instruction for the extrication of the hurt and future avoidance of the root cause.

Eventually, we all suffer from situations that are extremely discomforting: such as accidents, illnesses, and even the deaths of loved ones. Yet, the LORD is the Great Physician! What the best doctors and ministers cannot do, Jesus can do; and He is willing. We simply need to know He is always present to comfort and guide us. But we must first embrace Him as our LORD and Savior. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31).

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

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