Matthew 6:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Here the paradox that runs through each of the Beatitudes is plain and obvious. In effect, Jesus says, “happy are the sad.” When taken into consideration with verse 3 (‘blessed are the poor in spirit’), one must conclude that the implication is “happy is the one who mourns over his own sinfulness.” Godly mourning is inevitable once one acknowledges their spiritual bankruptcy.
Godly sorrow leads to repentance. The genuine mourner cries out to God pleading with Him for forgiveness. Blessed is the one who confesses his sin to God.
Psalm 38 helps us see this Godly sorrow that Jesus spoke of:
There is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
Like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me (3-4)My wounds stink and fester
Because of my foolishness,
I am utterly bowed down and prostrate;
All the day I go about mourning. (5-6)I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin. (18)Do not forsake me, O Lord!
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation! (21-22)
Our mourning over sin should only intensify as the years go by.
Notice the promise. Those who mourn will be comforted. One who genuinely mourns over sin will be divinely comforted. They will receive forgiveness from God. Godly forgiveness will bring divine comfort.
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