Godly Sorrow

Read Proverbs 25

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

This second beatitude, like the first (January 28), concerns the internal remodeling of the soul of a disciple. Those who come to realize they are spiritually bankrupt (poor in spirit) must then move on to repentance (mourning)—a genuine, deep sadness over sin to the point of real change. Those who acknowledge they are lost in sin and take full responsibility for their condition will receive God’s comfort.

Just as grieving over the loss of a loved one can take different forms and require varied amounts of time, so the spiritual mourning that God blesses may have an ongoing effect throughout a Christian’s life. While it touches the whole person, it will not touch everyone the same way. For instance, we tend to equate mourning with tears. Unfortunately, most of us know people who shed tears of repentance but return immediately to the same sin. Others give amazing evidence of spiritual transformation without shedding a tear. Spiritual mourning is necessary but personal. As it occurs, God promises to bless in a comforting way.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Authentic repentance includes grief.

Today, Lord, give me one lesson or reminder that helps me understand the importance of allowing the things that break your heart to break my heart.