“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, NIV)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares the Beatitudes, a series of teachings that reveal the nature of God’s kingdom. The second Beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” might seem confusing at first. How can mourning, a state tied to sorrow or loss, be considered blessed?
Mourning is deep sorrow, whether over personal loss, sin, or the world’s brokenness. In Jesus’ teaching, this mourning goes beyond emotional grief to include spiritual awareness. It involves a heart that grieves for what grieves God.
Those who mourn recognize their sinfulness and its impact on their relationship with God. This godly sorrow leads to repentance, as 2 Corinthians 7:10 explains: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”
Life brings pain through death, betrayal, or unfulfilled dreams. Jesus acknowledges this reality and offers comfort to those carrying such burdens. A heart aligned with God grieves over injustice, suffering, and rebellion in the world. Like the psalmist in Psalm 119:136, we may say, “Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.”
Jesus calls this mourning “blessed” not because sorrow is good, but because it draws us closer to God, where true comfort awaits.
The promise “they will be comforted” is a divine guarantee. The Greek word for “comforted,” parakaleo, means being called near, soothed, or strengthened by another’s presence. This points to the personal comfort God provides through His Spirit, His Word, and His people. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Comforter” (John 14:16, KJV). The Spirit brings peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God meets us in our pain with His nearness.God uses His church to share His comfort. When we bear one another’s burdens, we fulfill Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
While we experience God’s comfort now, the ultimate fulfillment comes in heaven, where “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4).
Pray for a heart sensitive to sin, both personal and global. Let conviction lead to repentance and compassion. Be honest in prayer, like David in the Psalms. Trust God to meet you in your sorrow. As God comforts you, share that comfort with others. Listen to a friend, pray for someone hurting, or serve those in need. As 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Anchor yourself in the promise of eternal comfort. No matter how deep your sorrow, it is temporary compared to the joy of eternity with Christ.
The world urges us to avoid pain and chase happiness through distraction. Jesus offers a different way, one that embraces mourning while pointing to hope. To mourn as Jesus describes is to open ourselves to God’s transforming grace. It means admitting our need, drawing near to Him, and finding His comfort is sufficient.
If you’re mourning today, whether over sin, loss, or the world’s brokenness, take heart. You are blessed, not because of the pain, but because of the God who sees and loves you. Lean into His presence, and let His peace fill your heart.