Christ’s statement in Matthew 5:4 seems contradictory. How can those who mourn be happy? But God’s way of life does produce joy (Psalm 16:11; Galatians 5:22). Mourning can be a blessing because:

• It causes us to think more soberly about life (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).
• It keeps us from becoming complacent (Deuteronomy 8:11-18).
• It helps us to have compassion for others, as Christ did (Hebrews 5:7-9).

There are three situations where we should mourn:

• When we see the suffering of others (Ezekiel 9:4).
• When God’s Spirit convicts us of sin (James 4:8-10).
• When we suffer persecution.

Christ finished His statement by promising comfort to those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). God provides this comfort in many ways:

• Through the Bible (Romans 15:4).
• By David’s example (Psalm 34:4-7).
• Through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
• By reassuring us we are not alone in our trials.
• By His promise not to tempt us beyond what we are able (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• By reassuring us that He is on our side (Romans 8:31-39).
• Through the hope of the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
• Through one another.
• By reassuring us that He is able to save us (Jude 24-25).
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Ultimately there will be no more mourning. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 21:4).

— (Excerpted from a sermon by Richard Pinelli May 24, 2003, in Cincinnati East, Ohio.)