Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all inviting near (paraklēsis), who calls us near (parakaleō) in all our troubles so that we are able to call near (parakaleō) those in any trouble through the invitation (paraklēsis) which we ourselves are called (parakaleō) under God.*
We see the Greek words used here that are similar, παράκλησις (paraklēsis) and παρακαλέω (parakaleō) were Para is the same for both words, meaning near, beside, alongside. Kalēo expresses the idea of "to call." Klēsis expresses the "act of inviting" or "official summons." So we see the concept that God is a God that invites or summons us near, always. Paul writes in Ephesians that God purposed this in Christ, that we are chosen to come near into his holy presence, without blame, and in love. Christ has made a way for us to come near, to boldly approach His throne of grace to receive mercy in our time of need. He is always inviting his children near him, in his presence, and the Holy Spirit is called the paraklētos.* Klētos describes the "one called" or the "one invited." The Holy Spirit, also called the helper, comforter, is the one called or sent to assist; an advocate, pleading the cause of another.
.... who calls us near (parakaleō) in all our troubles
Now, in all our troubles (pressure, compression; met. affliction, distress of mind) our Father calls us near, into his presence. He officially invites us near all the time but especially in our times of trouble, he calls us near. Why would he call us near in our troubles? because of His compassion, to encourage and comfort us. Like a father comforting a troubled child during a freightening storm, saying it's going to be ok. This is why Paul writes the God that invites us near is the Father of compassion (kindness, in relieving sorrow and want; the God of favor, grace, mercy.) Blessed are those who mourn for they are called near (to be comforted.)* For this reason, we should sing for joy, for the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.* We are officially invited and called to come into his presence. Having experienced ourselves comforting in our troubles then we are able to invite others, softly and tenderly, to come near and be comforted in their troubles, not only to fellow believers but also to those who are far away. Praise be to the compassionate God who calls us near.
Softly and Tenderly