Table of Contents
Comfort and Mourning
With rare exception, everyone suffers, experiences loss and sorrow; and of course, with sorrow comes tears. Sadness is a part of life, but it is not the only thing in life; even though it may seem like it when one is deeply experiencing it. Yet, God never meant for it to consume our lives; hence, Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4).
This may state the obvious, but without grief or mourning, there is no need of comfort. Interestingly, while on earth it is necessary; but, when the new Heaven and earth comes, there will be no need of it. Although, we will experience comfort for the last time when we are face to face with God.
Revelation 21:3-4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Think of it, the reason we will no longer need comfort is there will be no more sorrow, pain and suffering. It is the final comfort! It is part of our blessed hope, which will assuredly come for those who belong to Him. Nonetheless, comfort is also for the here and now. This is where the disciples of Jesus Christ have a very distinct advantage. We have the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in ways that cannot be found in the world.
Psalm 30:10-11 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be Thou my Helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.
Comfort and Repentance
One may not normally think of sorrow as a gift; but it is in some circumstances. When a person is in need of repentance, sorrow awakens him to his condition. When Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, sorrow may ensue. To be sure, there is a godly sorrow which accompanies a sincere heart, and a worldly sorrow that has no interest in repentance. With true repentance comes comfort.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death (NASB). For the full context of this passage, read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, together with 2 Corinthians 7:7-16.
Comfort Others
Philippians 2:1-4 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
People are not meant to mourn alone, which is why we are encouraged to weep with those who weep (see Romans 12:15). In short, we are to help bear one another’s burdens. It is a very good thing to reach out to those who are mourning. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).