Blessed Are They That Mourn – Paul M. Williams

Matthew 5:4 Perhaps of all of the beatitudes, this second one, is at first glance, one that fallen man could perhaps go along with; that is until he understands the reason for the mourning! "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted".  Who doesn't like to be comforted when heavy–laden and grieved of heart?  When some great ill afflicts the human soul?  The loss of a precious family member, news of some terrible illness; a miscarriage of justice, betrayal by one you thought was a friend?  It is on account of these things and others besides, that a man will mourn and will find to himself relief from the comfort of a friend.  I dare say, that some would even seek for relief in God.  However, it is my firm conviction that the mourning to which Jesus has so clearly in mind, is that mourning on account of sin! Men will mourn for many things, but one thing they seldom will ever mourn is their sins!!  O glad day, when upon learning the condition of our blackened hearts by the tender working of the Holy Spirit, we began to mourn our sins!!  However, it is not only upon becoming a believer that we mourn our sins; as we journey through this life ever sensing our pilgrim status in this world, is it not the case that we continue to mourn our sinful flesh, looking for that final day in which we shall be forever comforted by our Lord?  Do not lose heart in the battle Saints against sin; we shall reap soon if we faint not.