Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

                                                                       Matthew 5:4 

We have already covered the reality that the happiness being declared in each of Jesus’ statements does not come from the spiritual condition being described rather it comes from the tangible reality that follows. For example, we are not necessarily happy when we mourn over our sin however the comfort that comes from God as a result brings with it the reality of being “blessed.” As we read about this comfort, we come to find out that it is not only for our benefit rather it is for the edification of others. While the spiritually arrogant are those in need of instruction, those who demonstrate repentance through mourning are in need of comfort. Consider the following:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

                                                                                                           2 Corinthians 1:3-5 

The comfort that we receive from Christ is that which should be released into the lives of others who are going through the same sufferings. Selfish is the life that believes that a relationship with God is for his/her benefit alone. Everything that we receive from God, in turn, should be invested into the lives of others. We are happy when we are comforted from God. We are equally happy when we are comforted from others. And we also find happiness when we are the comforters of others.

I believe that the enemy works to divide believers knowing the power that the church finds in receiving comfort and support from one another. Often, we see the church trading this tremendous spiritual truth for arguments and divisions over theological matters in which scripture leaves room for discussion. Instead of supporting one another because of our commonality in Christ, staunch, dogmatic positions are pushed forward followed by a repudiation of all who reject “their” position.

But as we extend the hand of friendship, comfort, and support to fellow believers, Jesus’ statement of blessedness will come into our lives as we mourn over our sin and then recognize this same experience in the lives of others.

Happy are those who mourn for they will be comforted!