‘Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted’ – Matthew 5:4

Jesus outlines the attitudes and characteristics of those who are blessed in the Kingdom of Heaven in the Beatitudes. This verse is one of the most profound in the Beatitudes because it addresses the human experience of grief and loss, promising divine comfort. While it may seem paradoxical to associate mourning with being “blessed,” but this Beatitude reveals God’s transformative power to bring hope and restoration to those in sorrow. The Greek word for “mourn” used here is “pentheo”, which conveys deep grief, often associated with death, sin, or profound loss. Mourning in this context can refer to: Personal Grief – The sorrow experienced when losing a loved one or facing life’s hardships. Spiritual Mourning – A recognition of one’s sinfulness and the brokenness of the world, leading to repentance and a longing for God’s righteousness. This mourning goes beyond sadness, and is with a heart deeply moved by pain and longing for healing and renewal. Jesus promises that those who mourn will be comforted. The word “comforted” comes from the Greek term “parakaleo”, meaning to call to one’s side, to console, or to encourage. This comfort is not merely emotional relief but a profound, God-given assurance and peace that transcends circumstances.

How God Comforts: God comforts us through His Presence. He walks alongside those who mourn, and offers His peace and strength (Psalm 34:18a: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted”). He also sends the Holy Spirit, who is the “Comforter,”, and with the Holy Spirit, brings inner peace and hope (John 14:26). With His Promises, God provides hope of eternal life, where all sorrow will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4). Mourning in a Spiritual Context: In a spiritual sense, mourning reflects a heart that is broken over sin and the suffering it causes. Jesus often called for repentance, urging people to mourn their sins and turn back to God (Luke 13:3). This mourning leads to salvation and renewal from sin, when we recognize our own shortcomings and seek forgiveness from God. When we are heart-broken over worldly brokenness, we grieve over the injustice, pain, and suffering in the world and long for God’s kingdom to come. Jesus assures that those who genuinely mourn over sin will find comfort in the forgiveness and grace through Him. It seems contradictory to be “blessed” while mourning. However, in the biblical sense, “blessed” (from the Greek word “makarios”) refers to a state of inner joy and divine favour, independent of external circumstances. This blessing comes from God’s promise to provide comfort and restoration to the broken-hearted.

How can we the mourn and yet be blessed? Believers are encouraged to bring their grief to God, trusting in His ability to provide peace and healing. Prayer, worship, and meditating on Scripture are powerful ways to experience His comfort. Christian mourning is not without hope. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, that believers grieve with the assurance of eternal life through Christ. This hope allows us to face loss with confidence in God’s promises. Just as God comforts us, we are called to comfort others in their sorrow (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Acts of compassion, empathy, and support reflect God’s love and provide tangible comfort to those who are mourning. Matthew 5:4 highlights the countercultural values of the Kingdom of Heaven. While the world often equates blessing with happiness, success, and ease, Jesus redefines it as God’s favor and presence, even in the midst of grief. The world views mourning as negative and is to be avoided. However, God views mourning with the opportunity to open the door to divine comfort and transformation. The ultimate fulfillment of Matthew 5:4 is found in Jesus’ work on the cross. He bore the weight of humanity’s sin and sorrow, offering comfort and salvation to all who turn to Him. Isaiah 53:4a states, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.” With Christians, Jesus identifies with our grief and offers comfort through His sacrifice. Mourning over sin leads to redemption through the cross. This Beatitude points to the ultimate comfort believers will experience in the new heaven and new earth. Revelation 21:4a describes a time when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” This promise gives believers hope and strength to endure present sorrows.

Let us then reflect: 1. How have you experienced God’s comfort during times of mourning? 2. Do you mourn over the brokenness of the world and your own sin? 3. How can you offer comfort to someone who is grieving?

Conclusion: Matthew 5:4 encapsulates the hope and comfort available to those who mourn, both personally and spiritually. Jesus promises that their sorrow will not be in vain but will lead to divine comfort, restoration, and joy. This Beatitude invites believers to trust in God’s faithfulness, embrace a kingdom perspective, and extend His comfort to others. In a world filled with grief and brokenness, Matthew 5:4 remains a timeless reminder of God’s compassion and the hope we have in Him.