Wednesday, April 23, 2014

April 23, 2014 Happiness in Mourning



Happiness in Mourning

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

WHEN we experience a loss of some kind, whether it’s losing the ability to do something we like to do, losing a job, or tragically losing a beloved to death, how is it possible to feel and know any form blessing?
     The first answer comes with the promise of comfort. A blessing occurs amid loss when friends come to bless you with their care and comfort. You suddenly experience a closer, loving relationship with people in a way that does not ordinarily occur. Through a heightened focus on God’s Word, prayers and compassion, mournful heart are made happy with the comfort of people bearing Jesus’ eternal love and his promise of eternal life.
     Blessing also comes to those who mourn their sinful habits. As the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we must grieve the sin and turn from it. Mourning sin leads to a repentant heart. Repentance opens the way for God’s blessings to fill your life with his happy truths.
     Third, those who mourn experience happiness as we weep over others’ sin. When people truly mourn the circumstances they see around them, they are ready to teach and demonstrate God’s salvation truths.
     And finally, mourners are blessed even as they suffer: Romans 5:3-5 we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Suffering leads to salvation.
     Yes, even when we mourn, God’s blessings come our way through comfort, repentance, teaching and trust based on God’s care over us now and forever.  

LIFE Link: God, who mourns our sin, happily blesses us with his salvation offering.

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