The Comfort of Tears

The Comfort of Tears

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

In a world that often urges us to “move on,” “be strong,” and “don’t cry,” Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:4 offer a startling counter-cultural truth: blessing is found in mourning. This isn’t a call to embrace despair or to wallow in sorrow, but rather an invitation to understand the profound spiritual reality of grief and the divine comfort that follows.

What kind of mourning is Jesus referring to here? It’s not just the sorrow of personal loss, though that is certainly included. The Greek word used, pentheō, suggests a deep, heartfelt grief that goes beyond mere sadness. It can encompass:
* Mourning over sin: A brokenness over our own failings and the pervasive sin in the world around us. When we truly grasp the weight of sin and its separation from God, a holy sorrow can lead to repentance and true reconciliation.
* Mourning over injustice and suffering: A deep empathy for those who are oppressed, hurting, or marginalized. When our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart, we are aligning ourselves with His compassion.
* Mourning over the brokenness of the world: A profound sadness at the fallen state of creation, the presence of evil, and the absence of shalom (peace and wholeness). This kind of mourning is a longing for God’s kingdom to come in its fullness.
* Mourning personal loss: The raw, aching pain of losing a loved one, a dream, a season of life, or a cherished hope. This is perhaps the most immediate and relatable form of mourning.

The blessing isn’t in the mourning itself, as if sorrow were inherently good. The blessing lies in the promise of comfort. This comfort is not a fleeting distraction or a superficial “there, there.”

The Greek word for comfort, parakaleō, is rich with meaning. It means to call alongside, to encourage, to console, to strengthen. It’s the same root word from which we get Paraclete, a term for the Holy Spirit – our Comforter, our Advocate, our Helper.

When we allow ourselves to truly mourn, to feel the depth of our grief, we open ourselves up to this divine comfort. We acknowledge our dependence on God and create space for His Spirit to minister to our deepest wounds. This comfort can manifest in many ways:
* Peace in the midst of pain: A supernatural calm that transcends understanding.
* Renewed hope: The ability to see beyond the immediate sorrow to God’s ultimate plan of restoration.
* Strength to endure: The inner fortitude to face another day, even when our hearts are heavy.
* The presence of God: A profound sense of His nearness, reminding us we are not alone.
* Deeper empathy for others: Our own experience of mourning equips us to minister to those who are hurting.

So, if you find yourself in a season of mourning today, do not despair. Do not feel the need to suppress your tears or to pretend you are fine. Instead, lean into the promise of Matthew 5:4.

Bring your brokenness, your sorrow, your questions, and your pain to the Lord. For in the very act of mourning, you are positioned to receive the profound, lasting, and transformative comfort that only He can give.

Heavenly Father, We come before You, often with heavy hearts and weary souls. We confess that we live in a broken world, and we experience pain, loss, and sorrow in countless ways. We mourn over our own sins, over the injustices we see, over the suffering of others, and over the personal griefs that weigh us down. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for teaching us that there is blessing even in our mourning. Thank You for not asking us to pretend that everything is okay, but for inviting us to bring our true selves, our tears, and our deepest hurts to You. We pray now for Your Holy Spirit, our Comforter, to draw near. Minister to our hearts, mend our brokenness, and soothe our pain. Grant us the peace that surpasses all understanding and renew our hope in Your unfailing love and Your ultimate redemption. Help us to feel Your presence tangibly, reminding us that we are never alone in our sorrow. May our mourning, in Your hands, become a pathway to deeper intimacy with You and a greater capacity to comfort others. We trust in Your promise that we will be comforted.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

“It Is Well With My Soul” — This classic hymn, written out of deep personal tragedy and loss, beautifully articulates the journey from profound sorrow to unshakable peace and trust in God’s sovereignty. Its enduring message of comfort in the midst of overwhelming grief perfectly embodies the spirit of Matthew 5:4.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼