Beatitudes Day 2: Blessed are Those Who Mourn
Today we are in the second Beatitude found in the Sermon on the Mount. If you missed the first one, we suggest you go back and read that one to get a better understanding of today's.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4, ESV).
Understanding the Second Beatitude
At first glance, it may seem strange that Jesus says those who mourn are blessed. Mourning typically involves deep sorrow, grief, and loss. However, Jesus is speaking about a specific type of mourning that leads to a profound promise of comfort.
What Does It Mean to Mourn?
In this context, mourning refers to the sorrow we feel over our own sins and the brokenness of the world. It’s about recognizing the impact of sin on our lives and the lives of others, and experiencing genuine remorse and repentance. This kind of mourning leads us to seek God's forgiveness and restoration.
Biblical Examples of Mourning
A powerful example of mourning is found in the life of Peter. After denying Jesus three times, Peter "went out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:62). His sorrow over his failure was deep, but it ultimately led to his restoration and strengthened faith. Another example is the prophet Isaiah, who, upon seeing a vision of God's holiness, lamented his own sinfulness, saying, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5).
The Blessing: They Shall Be Comforted
Jesus promises that those who mourn will be comforted. This comfort comes from God Himself, who offers forgiveness, healing, and the assurance of His presence. When we mourn over our sins and the world's brokenness, we are met with God's grace and the hope of restoration.
Living Out Mourning
Living out this Beatitude means cultivating a heart that is sensitive to sin and the suffering around us. It involves regularly examining our lives, confessing our sins, and seeking God's mercy. Additionally, it means being compassionate towards others who are hurting and extending the comfort we have received from God to them.
Scriptural Insights
In Psalm 34:18, we read, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." This verse reassures us that God is close to those who are grieving and offers His salvation to those who are contrite. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 describes God as "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction."
Questions for Reflection
Reflect on areas in your life where you need to experience God’s comfort. Are there sins you need to confess and mourn over? How can you extend God’s comfort to those around you who are hurting?
We invite you to say the following prayer as we study today’s Beatitude: Heavenly Father, help me to mourn over my sins and the brokenness of this world. Fill me with Your comfort and peace. Teach me to rely on Your grace and extend Your comfort to others who are in need. Thank You for Your promise of comfort and for being near to the brokenhearted. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tomorrow, we will explore the third Beatitude: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Stay tuned!