Funeral Sermon: THE LORD IS OUR COMFORTER

FUNERAL SERMON: THE LORD IS OUR COMFORTER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

INTRODUCTION:
In moments like these, when we face the deep sorrow of loss, the comfort of God becomes a very present help. The Scriptures remind us that God is not distant in our pain, but He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. When we feel weak and broken, He is there to comfort us, heal our wounds, and restore our peace. The grieving process is never easy, but God has promised that He will walk with us through it, bringing healing to our hearts.

As we gather to honor the memory of our dear loved one, we are reminded that the mourning process is not something we must face alone. God, in His great mercy, is with us every step of the way. He knows our sorrow, and He is moved with compassion. In these times of mourning, His presence offers peace, and His promises bring hope.

Today, let us take comfort in the knowledge that God, who comforts us in all our tribulations, will also help us comfort others who mourn. Through this loss, we can become vessels of His comfort to others, sharing the same peace and grace that He has shown us.

1. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL COMFORT
God is our ultimate source of comfort, and He alone can provide the peace that transcends all understanding.

a) God is the Father of mercies. He is a compassionate God who understands our pain (Psalm 145:8).

b) God's comfort is greater than any human comfort. While others may offer consolation, only God can truly heal our hearts (Isaiah 66:13).

c) He comforts us in all our tribulations. There is no pain too great that God cannot comfort us through it (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

d) God’s comfort is eternal. His comfort does not fade away with time, but remains with us forever (Psalm 23:4).

Biblical Example: Jesus, weeping with Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, demonstrated God’s deep compassion for us in our grief (John 11:33-35).

God is not only aware of our sorrow, but He is present to comfort us in our darkest moments.

2. GOD’S COMFORT GIVES US STRENGTH
The comfort God gives is not only emotional but strengthens us to endure through the grieving process.

a) God's comfort brings peace to our hearts. In the midst of sorrow, His peace surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

b) God gives us courage when we are afraid. His presence removes fear and fills us with His strength (Isaiah 41:10).

c) His comfort enables us to persevere. With His help, we can endure the trials of life, even in the midst of loss (Romans 5:3-4).

d) His strength is made perfect in our weakness. In our grief, His strength is sufficient to carry us through (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Biblical Example: When Job lost everything, God’s comfort and strength enabled him to endure and remain faithful (Job 1:20-22).

Through God's comfort, we find the strength to endure the pain of loss and move forward with hope.

3. GOD’S COMFORT IS A SHIELD IN TIMES OF GRIEF
God’s comfort is not just a feeling but a protective shield that guards our hearts and minds.

a) God's comfort guards our hearts from despair. It prevents us from falling into hopelessness (Proverbs 4:23).

b) His comfort protects our minds from anxiety. The peace of God keeps our minds at rest even when circumstances are overwhelming (Isaiah 26:3).

c) The Lord’s comfort shields us from bitterness. Grief can lead to bitterness, but God’s comfort helps us release our pain to Him (Ephesians 4:31-32).

d) His comfort fortifies us against future trials. God’s comfort strengthens us to face any future challenges with faith and hope (Psalm 91:1-4).

Biblical Example: The apostle Paul, despite facing constant persecution and loss, found comfort and strength in God’s presence (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

In the midst of mourning, God’s comfort acts as a shield, protecting us from deeper emotional wounds.

4. GOD’S COMFORT ALLOWS US TO COMFORT OTHERS
As we experience God’s comfort, we are called to share that comfort with others who mourn.

a) We are comforted to comfort others. God does not only comfort us for our sake but equips us to be a source of comfort to others (2 Corinthians 1:4).

b) We can offer the same peace that we have received. As we heal, we can share the peace of God with those who are suffering (Matthew 5:4).

c) God’s comfort empowers us to help those in distress. We are strengthened to provide support to others going through similar pain (Galatians 6:2).

d) Our testimony of God’s comfort brings hope to others. By sharing how God has comforted us, we bring light to others in their darkness (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Biblical Example: Ruth’s comfort to Naomi in her grief led to a restoration of hope and joy for both of them (Ruth 1:16-17).

God’s comfort is not just for us; it is a tool to help us minister to others in their sorrow.

5. GOD WILL ULTIMATELY WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS
While we mourn today, we have the hope that one day, God will wipe away every tear and bring eternal peace.

a) God promises to wipe away all our tears. In heaven, there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4).

b) Eternal comfort awaits us in the presence of God. After this life, we will experience eternal joy and peace (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

c) Death will be swallowed up in victory. Through Christ, death has lost its sting, and we will experience eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

d) Our present suffering is nothing compared to the glory ahead. God is preparing a place for us where sorrow will no longer exist (Romans 8:18).

Biblical Example: Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross, “Today, you will be with me in paradise,” assured him of eternal peace (Luke 23:43).

The comfort we receive from God now is a reminder of the eternal joy and peace that await us in heaven.

CONCLUSION:
As we gather today to remember our beloved one, we know that grief is real, but so is God’s comfort. He has promised to be with us in our sorrow, to strengthen us with His peace, and to give us the hope that this mourning will one day turn into eternal joy. Today, we do not mourn as those who have no hope, for we know that God is with us, comforting us and drawing us closer to His loving embrace.

Let us hold onto the truth that God is our Comforter and that He will continue to heal our hearts. Though we are in pain today, we have the assurance that God is faithful to His promises. His comfort will never fail us, and one day, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, comfort my heart in this time of loss.

2.  May Your peace fill my soul and guard my heart from despair.

3.  I ask for Your strength to endure through the pain of mourning.

4.  Help me to share Your comfort with others who grieve.

5.  Lord, remind me of the hope of eternal joy that awaits me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  God’s comfort will surround you in this season of grief.

2.  You will find strength in God’s peace, and your sorrow will turn to joy.

3.  The God of all comfort will heal your broken heart and restore your hope.

4.  Every tear you’ve shed will be wiped away, and you will experience eternal peace.

5.  You will comfort others with the same peace and hope you receive from God.