“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)

Few things in life are as powerful as death. When a loved one dies, relatives who haven’t seen each other in ages are reunited, schedules are turned upside down, and even traffic laws are changed for a brief period of time.

It also hurts like nothing else in this world. The wounds it leave is deeper and more painful than anything encountered up to that point in our human experience. 

It is in this time of mourning that our love and support matters most.

The importance of this became very clear to me this week as a dear neighbor – “el jibarito” – went to be with the Lord. It was incredible to see how a life given to make others happy has a deep impact in those around them. Lessons we can learn.

Jesus promised that those who mourn shall be comforted. This comfort can only come from “the father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3), and He is certainly able and willing to directly comfort those who are grieving by His Spirit. Bu He also wants to extend His comfort through the tangible touch of His Church – us.

As powerful as death is, it’s equally powerful when a body of believers comes together for the purpose of mourning alongside one that is grieving.  It is in this hour of vulnerability that we truly become “one” with and for each other. Petty grudges are abandoned, differences over agendas are forsaken.

What a wonderful world would our be if we would always have this same attitude that we have when we comfort those who are mourning. What if we just would do what Jesus command us to be and do?

For example, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil. 2:3. or as it is translated in the Message Bible: “Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.” Powerful words.

The hour of morning is inevitable. But it can become our finest hour if we band together and mourn with those in our midst who’ve been touched by the tragedy of death… Because our mourning matters.

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