“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matt. 5:4
Seeing sin through God’s eyes
There is a blessing for those who mourn over sin and feel toward sin as God does – a heart-breaking sorrow, an unhidden sadness.
The Cross
Sin, a product of waywardness and rebellion, came with dire consequences; namely, eternal separation from God and the Son of God dying a sacrificial death. The cross reveals the gravity of sin.
Responses to Sin
Citizens of the Kingdom of God mourn over sin. Non-citizens respond to sin in multiple ways:
- deny it
- justify it
- laugh at it
- hide it
- are apathetic toward it
- are angry only if stopped
- are sorry only if caught
Godly repentance and mourning over sin are reflected in Kingdom people.
Hating Sin
Misers spend money. Like everyone else, they need food, clothing, and shelter. Misers, however, hate to spend money. Similarly, believers are miserly about sin. Paul wrote,
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
Believers occasionally act waywardly, transgress, make mistakes, stumble, willfully rebel. What is your response when this occurs in your life? Do you mourn? Do you hate sinning?
Citizens of the Kingdom of God recognize personal sin is offensive to Him. They admit sin and seek to not do it again.
Finding Joy
Followers of Jesus possess a joy because of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
The word “Helper” is from the Greek word “parakletos,” signifying one who consoles or comforts, encourages or uplifts. The Holy Spirit helps citizens of the Kingdom wholesomely address their sin.
Joy in the Morning
Mourning over sin is not joyful but opens the doorway to joy.
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
The greater the grief, the greater the joy and the greater the blessing.
Defining Joy
Joy is peace, contentment, and satisfaction, no matter life’s circumstance. Happiness is conditional on events, whereas joy is a fuller expression of inward happiness based on Jesus.
The Mourning of Jesus
He wept over Jerusalem, “And when he (Jesus) drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.” (Luke 19:41) When crucified He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
People were blind to His identity, the long-awaited Deliverer that was revealing the Kingdom. He mourned, ascended to the right hand of God and was comforted (Acts 2:33).
His mourning is a model you can follow.
THE CHALLENGE
Mourn over sin. Feel the gravity and sorrow demonstrated by Jesus, then experience unspeakable joy by obediently following Him.
How have you experienced joy by living rightly? Share your comments below.
