We continue to examine the Beatitudes, looking this week at the comfort that awaits us when citizens of God’s Kingdom mourn for loss, suffering, or injustice in our lives or in the world.

Scripture Reference

Matthew 5: 4

Sermon Audio

Due to technical difficulties, an audio of this sermon is not available.

Sermon Notes

1. The Beatitude Explained
   1. Mourning is part of life in the Kingdom – we aren’t immune
      1. Christians will still suffer pain, loss, disease, disappointment, and death
      2. The Greek word for mourning includes sadness, grief, and mourning, not just regarding death, but regarding suffering, affliction, mourning over oppression, injustice, and corruption in the world.
      3. Jesus mourned for Lazarus as well as for the injustice of Jerusalem
   2. As Kingdom citizens we’ll never be alone in our mourning – we will be comforted, this is one of the great privileges of Kingdom citizenship
2. God Comforts Us Directly
   1. We are comforted by the Holy Spirit – the 24×7 presence of “the Comforter” comforts us
   2. We are comforted by Jesus – who fulfills Isaiah 61: 1-3 in comforting us
   3. We are comforted by God the Father- who hears our prayers (1 John 5: 14) and will provide ultimate comfort (Revelation 21: 4)
3. God Comforts Us Through Other Believers
   1. God uses believers to comfort us (2 Corinthians 7: 5-6) – this should be one of the joys of Kingdom life
   2. Who are you comforting?
      1. Romans 12: 15 tells us to weep with those who weep
      2. 2 Corinthians 1: 4 – God comforts us so we can comfort others
      3. We have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters to mourn with them and comfort them, this is part of “Welcoming In”