Life clerics are pretty good at supporting the party and staying alive. You have bless, healing word, access to chainmail, and very commendable wisdom saves. What more do you need at the low tier of play? And believe me, once you're able to hit level 5 and pick up spirit guardians, your disappointment will wither away.
Agreed.
When Spiritual Weapon is implemented, it will pull it's weight in combat even better. If you want more DPS, splash in a couple Paladin levels, or just play another class.
Pure Paladin is an option for the future.
