Blessed are those
who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
One would think that
those who are happy are the blessed ones, but Jesus says the opposite here. When He
talks about those who mourn, He is not necessarily referring to those who have a hard life
or are sad. The mourning He refers to is a godly sorrow, one which
sees sin and is sad because of it. It also refers to sympathetic mourning, one which weeps
because another is sad or hurt. The difference, I believe, is focus. Sorrow over
a hard life or some tragedy is at least somewhat selfish because it is thinking
of what is happening to self. But sorrow over sin (ours or others’) is sad
because of that offense against God and the damage to the sinner. Sympathetic
mourning is also unselfish because it is sad over the hurt of another,
commiserating with someone who is hurting, rather than mourning over the hurts
of self. Those who selflessly mourn are blessed because they will be comforted.
That blessing is not one of mirth but of a quiet, secret satisfaction that God
is in control, loving and good. It is a trust in Him to right the wrong. Sin
brings little comfort, so the sorrow of sin is little comforted. But those who
have a godly sorrow will receive comfort, from God and others, even though
there may not be an immediate relief from sadness. Ultimately, that sorrow will
be eternally removed in heaven when God shall wipe away every tear. That is a
greater comfort than any earthly sorrow could dim. Check your motives, are they
focused on self or others? Mourn with a godly sorrow, with those who are
downcast, and be blessed!
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