Contagious Characteristics: BeatitudesSample

The second beatitude is "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:3)." To mourn means to be really, really sad about something or someone. The original Greek word translated as mourn here is the word used for grieving for the dead. There is no sadness as deep as when someone you love dies. In this scripture, that is the kind of sadness Jesus means when He says, "Blessed are those who mourn." The type of grief felt when you must give up something or someone you love most. The question is, what exactly are we grieving over, though? OUR SIN. The next question is why? Because it hurts God's feelings, and to be like God, we must grow to hate the things that hurt Him and harm us and to love the things that bring Him joy and honor. Choosing to mourn over our sins is never easy; most times, it is something we love and enjoy the most. For instance, when we involve ourselves in relationships or friendships that pull us away from God, hate our enemies, or give in to peer pressure.

In the New Testament, we learn that we were DEAD in our sins (Ephesians 2:1). Sin produces death, which is eternal separation from God. When we are truly, deeply, and painfully sorry for our sins, it will lead to repentance, which is turning away from them and toward God. When we confess our sins, God forgives us and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

This beatitude is the second one because before we can mourn over our sin, we must first be aware of how our sin affects God and us. We cannot grieve over our sin until we admit it's a problem. Mourning is a good thing; it restores our relationship with God. Mourning over our sins leads to repentance, and repentance leads to forgiveness. Forgiveness leads to spiritual comfort and the ease of spending forever with Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. Read 2 Corinthians 2:9-11. What is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? How does each affect our lives with Christ?
2. What have you learned from this study, and how will you put it into practice today?