Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Thrust: Every believer who recognizes and mourns over the seriousness of the effects of sin in their personal life and the nation is assured of God’s blessing and comfort.

I. Mourning Over Sin and Its Effects

A. The Effects of Sin in our Nation

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birthpangs together until now (Rom 8:22)

"For the mountains shall depart. And the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isa 54:10)

But you, my Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy; you are very patient and full of faithful love. (Psa 86:15)

This hope doesn't put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Rom 5:5)

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chr 7:14)

B. The Effects of Sin in our Personal Life

Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (Rom 8:23)

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. (Rom 7:15)

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? (Rom 7:24)

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Gal 5:16-17)

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.(Heb 3:12-13)

Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psa 138:23-24)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart — These, O God, You will not despise. (Psa 51:17)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psa 51:10-12)

II. The Promise of Comfort

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. (2 Cor 1:3)

A. We Are Blessed With Eternal Comfort

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 21:4)

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. (Rom 6:22)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1)

B. We Become Instruments of Comfort to Others

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4)

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy (Psa 126:5)