He Understands Our Weaknesses

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I’ve often thought this verse applies to those who’ve lost a loved one. After all, the Bible says in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (ESV). It’s a source of comfort to know He’s near during such losses. But I wonder if it holds a deeper meaning?

Could it be that we find comfort in mourning our own weaknesses, sin, or even bad habits?

In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus compares a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee is proud and puffed up as he approaches God, while the tax collector can’t even raise his eyes to heaven. He’s humble, recognizing his sinfulness and seeking God’s mercy.

Then there’s Paul in Romans 7:15, 18-19: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” I can definitely relate to Paul and what he shares in this verse! The struggle is all too real!

Perhaps it’s in recognizing our own weaknesses, sinfulness, and our need for God that He blesses the mourning? After all, 1Peter 5:5 says, “…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Our Father God is Gracious and Merciful (Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8-9, Exodus 34:6, to name a few). And Jesus describes Himself as gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). Isaiah 42:3 reminds us, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice.”

I believe God knows when we’re trying, when we’re making an effort to do what’s right. He understands our struggles and knows our hearts. 

He reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Yes, we can mourn our own sinfulness, but we can also say, along with Paul, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

And as we have received much grace, perhaps we can show that same grace to others. Be more understanding of their weaknesses because God has been understanding with ours. 

Lift others up and encourage instead of judging or criticizing, remembering we are all works in progress.

So yes, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”