Blessed Are — Part 1: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Description:
In Part 1 of Blessed Are, Pastor Eric opens the Beatitudes by slowing down on one of Jesus’ most counterintuitive promises: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). This message clarifies that mourning isn’t only about grief after loss—though Jesus absolutely meets us there. It is also, and most importantly, about mourning over sin: seeing our fallenness clearly, becoming broken before God, and running to the only Savior who can forgive, cleanse, and comfort.
From James 4, John 6, John 10, Psalm 42, and Lamentations, Eric shows that the path to comfort is not denial, self-justification, or religious performance. Comfort comes through surrender—submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to the Lord, and letting repentance become honest sorrow rather than shallow regret. Eric also addresses why sin is tempting “for a season,” why it always damages the soul, and why God’s heart toward the repentant is not condemnation but restoration.
The message then widens to the other “layers” of mourning: death, broken relationships, dashed dreams, wounds no one sees, and the long ache of grief that can feel like waves and billows rolling over the soul. In those places, believers are called to expect Jesus in their grief—to lament, to hope, to wait quietly, and to receive God’s lovingkindness that holds steady in the dark.
Finally, Eric calls the church to live as Christ’s body: God comforts by His Spirit, and He comforts through His people. We are meant to carry comfort to one another—praying, showing up, and becoming tangible reminders that mourners are not alone.
Key Scriptures (NKJV):
Matthew 5:4; James 4:7–10; Hebrews 11:24–27; John 6:35–40; Matthew 11:28–30; John 10:27–30; Psalm 42:1–7; Lamentations 3:22–26; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Romans 10:13.
Highlights:
“Blessed are those who mourn” has layers, but it begins with mourning over sin.
Repentance isn’t humiliation—it’s the doorway to comfort, cleansing, and freedom.
Sin is pleasurable “for a season,” but it always wounds the soul and harms others.
God does not discipline to demean; He draws sinners in to restore them.
Jesus’ comfort is not an empty offer—He keeps His promises: “I will by no means cast out.”
Salvation is receiving a gift, not earning a reward—religion says “perform,” Christ says “receive.”
Assurance for believers: Jesus holds His sheep, and no one can pluck them from His hand.
Grief is real and biblical: Psalm 42 gives language for sorrow, tears, questions, and hope.
Lament is not unbelief—it is faith speaking honestly in pain.
God’s mercies are new every morning; the call is to get up again and hope in Him.
The church is called to comfort one another with the comfort we’ve received from God.
Next Steps:
Ask God to show you which kind of mourning you need right now—and respond with one concrete act of faith.
If you’re mourning over sin: confess it plainly, turn from it, and come to Jesus for cleansing.
If you’re mourning loss: lament honestly, bring your questions to God, and ask Him to meet you in the waves.
If you’re stuck in cycles: thank God you got up again, then take one next step toward freedom.
If someone near you is mourning: obey the nudge—pray, reach out, and offer comfort in Jesus’ name.
