The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Mourners

"Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted. " - Matthew 5:4

Losing someone is difficult for all of us. There is no easy way to transition from a moment when you are embracing a loved one to the moment of saying goodbye for the very last time. With the death of a loved one, there is an emptiness that consumes those left behind as they struggle with the emotions that have been nurtured, protected and strengthened over years and even lifetimes in many cases. Relationships are built on trust, love and forgiveness. I have known individuals who have lost a loved one and had unfinished issues with them. The inability to forgive or receive forgiveness has haunted them for years after the death. Likewise, there are those who did not have the last opportunity to share their feelings of love with the deceased, leaving them feeling guilty and no means of escape.

We learn from these experiences not to leave unfinished business or empty words with those we love. But, how do we resolve the past events? If you have ever been to a wake or a funeral you know how difficult it is to comfort those in mourning. There is a song by Casting Crowns titled, "Love them Like Jesus", which discusses the difficulties of bringing comfort to our fellow brothers and sisters in times of mourning; but it also reminds us that God is the ultimate provider of comfort in all circumstances. While being 100% God and full of the sovereignty and wisdom of God; Jesus was also 100% human with the complexities of emotions and feelings, the same as you and I.

If you recall, even Jesus wept. He wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, and over Jerusalem; as even He mourned their fate and their lost direction in life. His weeping was out of love for the children of Israel. Knowing that He would be with them only a few more days before the crucifixion and their faith and understanding were still lacking. We are asked to stay by their side and love them like Jesus would love them. Empathy, love and just a mere presence is often times the right anecdote. Many times the best thing for us to do is to hold someone's hand and cry with them.

We are reminded by this verse in the 5th book of Matthew that those who mourned will be comforted by God the Father in a way that man cannot. Even in those circumstances when we are angry at God because we wanted His intercession and miracle, His love doesn't change. Three words put together make an incredible impact when understood: God Loves You. It is not to be flippant or taken lightly. You see God's love is the only true constant. There are no requirements, conditions or circumstances that cause His love to increase or decrease. By first accepting this, we then need to understand that His love for you is exactly as the love He has for those who are mourning, and the same as the love He has for the deceased. Comfort is provided to those who are mourning by the loving embrace from the only true source of unconditional love - God the Father.

When Tragedy Strikes

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted'” – Matthew 5:4

Death has a way of raising the thoughts of our own spiritual awareness and questioning our readiness should the good Lord call us home. It causes many to ask "Why would God let this happen?" and others to ask, “Am I doing all that I can do?” In events of death there are always more questions than answers and seldom easy answers to the questions on our minds. It is not for us to know the ways of the Lord but to be consistently aware that the days of your life are numbered, just as are the hairs on your head.

  Imagine if you could see your obituary in the paper the day after your passing. What story would it tell? Is it a life story that you would be proud to hold up in front of the Lord, or is it one that you would be proud of in front of your buddies down at the pub. We are not granted access to heaven based on the good works that will be captured on our obituary, no it is strictly by the grace and through the blood of Jesus Christ. Having said this though, our works on earth are used to further expand the Kingdom of God and open the doors for others to discover the salvation that waits for them at the foot of the cross. Our children are watching, our friends are watching, our co-workers are watching and our family is watching.

  If tomorrow, there were a tragic accident and my life were required, I know without a doubt that I will walk with Jesus Christ from that moment forward. His blood has made that possible. But, from that moment on I have zero capability to help my children, their children, my friends or family and others discover the amazing love of God. I want my obituary to clearly state that I was a servant of God in this world. Don't you?

  Pray for the families mourning the loss of loved ones, needing to be comforted by the Holy Spirit. Pray that their spiritual walk is not hindered by the loss, but strengthened and renewed by the opportunity to share of their loved ones life story.  We are all going to struggle with the death of a loved one at some point in our life and we need to be able to praise God through those difficult moments just as much as we praise Him through the good.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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