Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Matthew 5:1-4Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Poverty of Spirit means: 1.     a sense of powerlessness in ourselves2.     a sense of spiritual bankruptcy and helplessness before God.3.     a sense of personal unworthiness before God. Poverty of Spirit is the prerequisite attitude of maturing in our spirituality, becoming more like Christ. Spiritual poverty leads us to spiritual mourning. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted Mourning is our reality. “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” (Proverbs 14:13 NIV)     “I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chatted all the wayBut left me none the wiser for all she had to sayI walked a mile with Sorrow and not a word said sheBut oh, the things I learned when sorrow walked with me.” Why do we mourn? 1.   We mourn for our sinful condition. 2.  We mourn for our loss3.  We mourn for the condition of others.  How can we be comforted as we mourn?   1. Remember God’s presence2. RELEASE our burdens to God 3. Rely on God’s Resources!