I am leading a Mothering Sunday (4th in Lent) service where the minister has just lost her mum. I have been greatly blessed by a commentary of the suggested reading 2 Cor 1:3-7. It told me how the word comfort in the Greek is a common word (parakelo) used with different meanings – strengthen, encourage etc. And you may realise it is the word used for the Holy Spirit (paraclete) – the COMFORTER!
So another translation might be:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all encouragement, who spiritually strengthens us in the midst of all our affliction, so that we may be able to spiritually strengthen those who face any affliction, with the encouragement with which we ourselves are strengthened by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Robin
