Complete Comfort

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Matthew 5:4

We all sin. Sometimes we say things to people or about people in disrespectful ways. Sometimes we fail to obey the rules of those in authority over us. Sometimes we think too much of ourselves or too little of others. In all of these things and more we sin.

Part of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ is mourning or feeling sorry over our sin. But Jesus does not call his followers to mourn over their sin just for the purpose of mourning. He does not want us to always feel down about ourselves and our sin. Instead, Jesus is able to say feeling sorry over our sin leads to blessedness or fruitfulness because it opens our lives to the comfort only God can give.

God comforts those who mourn their sin by leading them into all truth. God comforts those who mourn their sin by teaching them to obey his commands. God comforts those who mourn their sin by giving them a community of other disciples who will bear their burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. And one day, God will comfort those who mourn their sin by dwelling with them, being their God and making them his people forever.

On that day, for those of us who have learned to mourn our sin, God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Sin will be conquered completely, so there will be no more mourning. We will live in God’s comforting presence forever.

Father, as I learn to feel sorrow over my sin, comfort me through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life now so that one day I will be comforted by you forever.