You might wonder why Jesus calls us to mourn.
In our fast-paced world, grief is often something we try to avoid, resist, or even fear. But what if I told you that embracing grief could lead you to a deeper, more profound expression of love and a closer relationship with God? In our current sermon series, “Living the Way of Jesus,” we’re exploring the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, and we just focused in on the second Beatitude: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Let’s dive into what this means for you and how you can embrace grief as a gift from God.
Understanding Grief as a Gift
Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one. It’s about any form of loss—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or even a dream. Jesus calls us to mourn because grief is a profound expression of love. When we grieve, we acknowledge the value of what we’ve lost, and in doing so, we open ourselves up to God’s comfort.
Why should you care? Because resisting grief can lead to emotional and spiritual stagnation. Embracing it, on the other hand, can bring you closer to God and help you grow in your faith.
Spiritual and Practical Implications
Spiritually, mourning over our sins and the brokenness in the world brings us closer to God. King David, in Psalm 51, mourned deeply over his sins, saying, “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” This kind of mourning leads to repentance and spiritual healing. Jesus promises that those who mourn will be comforted, and this comfort comes from God Himself.
Practically, we need to develop a theology of grieving well. This means not rushing through our emotions or pushing them down but expressing them openly. Jesus modeled this for us in John 11 when He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. He didn’t rush past His emotions; He embraced them, showing us that it’s okay to feel deeply and to express those feelings.
Action Steps to Embrace Grief
- Express Your Feelings: Don’t rush through your emotions. Name them—whether it’s anger, sadness, or frustration. Express them to God and to your community.
- Seek Comfort in God: Remember that Jesus promises comfort to those who mourn. Spend time in prayer, read the Psalms, and let God’s Word speak to your heart.
- Enter into the Grief of Others: Just as Jesus entered into the grief of Mary and Martha, we are called to weep with those who weep. Be present for others in their time of mourning.
- Keep Your Hope and Faith: Even in the darkest times, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. Keep your hope alive, knowing that God is working even when you can’t see it.
Conclusion
Grief is not something to be feared or avoided. It’s a gift from God that allows us to express our love and to draw closer to Him. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Will you embrace this promise and allow God to comfort you in your time of mourning?
What will you do this week to embrace grief and find comfort in God?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grief and the promise of comfort. Help us to embrace our emotions and to bring them to You. Teach us to mourn well and to find solace in Your presence. May we also be a source of comfort to those around us who are grieving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
