Why Jesus Called Mourning a Blessing
When Jesus stood on the mount and delivered the Sermon on the Mount, His words startled people. One of His most surprising statements was in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
To most of us, mourning feels like the opposite of blessing. Mourning is tied to loss, grief, and heartbreak. How could Jesus say those who mourn are blessed? Isn’t mourning something we try to avoid?
Over the years, as I’ve walked through seasons of grief and comforted others in their pain, I’ve come to see that Jesus wasn’t glorifying sorrow but pointing us to a deeper truth: in our mourning, God draws near with His comfort.
Biblical Meaning of “Blessed Are They That Mourn”
This verse is part of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12), where Jesus describes the qualities and attitudes of a life lived in God’s kingdom.
To mourn, in this context, means more than just grieving a personal loss. It can also mean mourning the brokenness of the world and our own sin. Jesus is saying that those who recognize their sorrow—whether from grief, sin, or injustice—are not forgotten. Instead, they are positioned to experience God’s comfort.
The Greek word used for “mourn” is pentheó, which expresses deep grief or lament. It’s the same word used to describe mourning for the dead, but also for mourning over sin.
Spiritual Mourning vs. Earthly Mourning
There are two layers to this verse:
- Earthly Mourning: The pain we feel when we lose a loved one, go through heartbreak, or face life’s disappointments.
- Spiritual Mourning: The sorrow we feel over sin—our own and the world’s—and the longing for God’s healing and righteousness.
Both forms of mourning draw God’s presence. Earthly grief reminds us of our need for God’s comfort, while spiritual mourning keeps our hearts soft and humble before Him.
The Promise of Comfort: God’s Presence in Grief
The blessing in this verse is not in the mourning itself but in the promise: “they shall be comforted.”
God comforts in many ways:
- Through His Word, which reassures us with promises of peace.
- Through the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus calls “the Comforter” (John 14:26).
- Through the community of believers, who carry one another’s burdens.
I remember when I lost a close friend unexpectedly. At first, the grief was overwhelming. But slowly, through prayer, scripture, and the support of friends, I began to experience a peace I could not explain. That was God’s comfort, working in the middle of mourning.
Scriptures That Bring Peace in Mourning
Several Bible verses build on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:4:
- Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
- Isaiah 61:2–3 – God promises to comfort all who mourn and give them a “garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
These verses assure us that mourning is not the end of the story. Comfort and hope are always part of God’s plan.
How Mourning Transforms Faith
Mourning is not wasted. It changes us in powerful ways:
- It deepens compassion. People who have mourned often become more empathetic to others’ pain.
- It strengthens dependence on God. In times of grief, we realize our strength is not enough.
- It awakens hope. Mourning makes us long for God’s eternal kingdom where suffering will end.
I’ve noticed that some of the strongest Christians I know are those who have walked through deep valleys of mourning. Their faith is steady not because life was easy but because they found God faithful in hardship.
Practical Ways Christians Find Comfort
If you are mourning right now, here are some ways to find God’s comfort:
- Pray honestly. Don’t hide your emotions from God. Pour them out to Him.
- Read Scripture daily. Even a few verses can anchor your soul.
- Lean on others. Allow family, friends, and church members to support you.
- Worship in sorrow. Singing or listening to worship music can bring unexpected peace.
- Take it one day at a time. Healing is a process, and God walks with you through it.
Personal Reflections on Grief and Healing
When my grandmother passed away, I found myself repeating Matthew 5:4 almost like a lifeline. I didn’t feel blessed at the time, but looking back, I see the blessing in how God comforted me.
Sometimes the comfort doesn’t come as instant relief but as a gradual strength to keep moving. Other times, it comes through a timely word from a friend or a verse that speaks directly to your situation.
I’ve learned that mourning is not something to rush through. It’s something to walk with God in.
Living the Beatitudes in Daily Life
The Beatitudes challenge us to see life through God’s eyes. “Blessed are they that mourn” reminds us that God values authenticity over pretense. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to weep. And it’s more than okay to bring that grief to God.
Living this verse daily means being real about our struggles, but also real about our hope in Christ.
Conclusion: Hope Beyond Mourning
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
These words are not just poetry. They are a promise. They assure us that God sees our pain, cares about our grief, and is already working to bring us comfort.
If you are mourning, take heart: your tears are not wasted. God’s comfort is on the way—sometimes in this life, and fully in the life to come.
FAQ
Q1: What does “Blessed are they that mourn” mean?
It means that those who grieve—whether for personal loss or sin—are blessed because God promises them comfort.
Q2: Does this verse only refer to death and loss?
No. It also refers to spiritual mourning over sin and brokenness.
Q3: How does God comfort those who mourn?
Through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the support of others.
Q4: Can mourning really be a blessing?
Yes, because it opens the door for God’s presence, healing, and deeper faith.
