Take a look at Matthew 5:4. The words "blessed" or "God blesses" and "mourn" do not ordinarily go together. But, Jesus' point was not that a person needed to mourn to be blessed. In our deepest darkest moments of mourning, we can be blessed; we can be comforted. No pit is too deep. No rope is too short. No sorrow is too great for Jesus to bring comfort to the midst of. Surrounded by a group of hurting, broken people, who were well acquainted with mourning and unbearable sorrow, Jesus spoke these powerful words. He planted Himself right in the middle of them. He looked into their faces, reached out and touched them.
Likewise, I think "mourning" also refers to grieving over the things that grieve God, such as the unfaithfulness, immorality and cruelty that is so rampant in the world today. Those who mourn over sin and its effect on people's lives - and commit themselves to helping rescue people from evil - are comforted by receiving God's "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)
What are some things that you've mourned in your life? What kinds of things did people say or do to try to comfort you that weren't helpful? What was helpful? Who do you know right now that has something to mourn? How can you be a comforting presence in their life this week? Do that!
No comments:
Post a Comment