Those who Mourn

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

What does Mourn mean? Many would apply it to being being grieved about the death of something - may be a friend or family member, maybe even a pet. That is a good definition, but in the context it is applied to something else. Those who mourn are those who mourn because of sin. They are so grieved by their state before God that it is as if they are mourning for a dead relative. This comes directly from being poor in Spirit. When we realise our state before God and how abhorrent our sin is, there are only two options: to mourn for our sin, or to ignore and reject God. One of our biggest problems is that we do not realise how very bad sin is, and the fact that even one sin (e.g. lying once) is enough for God to justly sentence us to an eternity of condemnation in hell. We need to realise our helpless state before God and Mourn because of it. Realise that we can do nothing to save ourselves. This means humbly submitting to God, realising that we need his mercy and grace to be saved. Realising that we cannot make it on our own.

Every religion in the world, aside from Christianity, focusses on things we must do to save ourselves. But the truth is, there is nothing that we can do to save ourselves because all that we deserve is hell. Whatever we do is tainted by our sin and we are completely helpless. This isn't a popular thing to say or hear but it is truth. Imagine if there was a man who committed murder and in court his defence was that he had done plenty of good things in his life. He'd hold doors open for people to help them out, he was generous, he was kind, etc. Imagine if the judge allowed him to go free because he had done enough good to cover for his evil deed. That would be entirely unjust. We are in the same situation - we are sinful and deserve hell. Noa mount of good work can save us from God's wrath or make us right in his sight. But theres good news: Jesus did not sin at all. He alone deserved blessing from God, but he came to earth as a man, suffered in our place and took our sin. he took God's wrath and paid the price which we could not afford, and likewise we (Christians) take his righteousness when we repent and believe and are forgiven by God and even adopted as his children. But why would we repent? We need to realise our position before God and mourn for it. That leads to genuine repentance, which in turn leads to salvation, which in turn brings us to do good deeds. 

It all starts with Mourning for sin, humbly realising pour position before God. With that basis we come to him in repentance and we have faith, and by that we are forgiven and shown grace and mercy. That's the blessing - 'For they will be comforted' - their sins will be forgiven. They will be washed clean by God through Jesus. They will be granted eternal life. Not because they deserve it but because Christ took their sin and the penalty for it even though he didn't deserve it.

So, do you Mourn for sin? Have you realised how deeply God hates it and Have you repented of it? Only then will you be forgiven, declared 'Not guilty' and comforted by the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.