Few words feel more out of place in seasons of loss than the word blessed. When someone we love dies, blessing is not what we feel. We feel the ache of absence, the weight of unanswered questions, and the deep loneliness that grief brings.
And yet, Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Jesus does not say that mourning itself is good, or that loss is somehow easy or desirable. He does not minimize grief or rush people through it. Instead, He acknowledges a profound truth: mourning matters. Grief is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. It is the natural response of love when something precious is lost.
To mourn is to testify that a life mattered.
In Scripture, we see that God does not distance Himself from sorrow. He draws near to it. The shortest verse in the Bible—“Jesus wept”—reminds us that even the Son of God entered fully into human grief. He stood at the tomb of a friend and wept, knowing resurrection was coming, yet honoring the pain of the present moment.
This is the comfort Jesus promises—not the removal of sorrow overnight, but the presence of God within it.
Comfort comes in many forms. It may come through the quiet presence of family and friends. It may come through shared stories, tears, or moments of unexpected peace. It may come slowly, over time, as grief softens and memories begin to bring warmth instead of only pain. And for those who place their hope in Christ, comfort also comes through the promise that death does not have the final word.
At a funeral or memorial service, we gather not because we have all the answers, but because we believe love is stronger than death, and that God meets us in our mourning. Tears are welcome here. Silence is welcome here. Broken hearts are welcome here.
Jesus calls mourners blessed not because they are spared grief, but because they are not alone in it.
If you are grieving today, know this: your sorrow is seen, your tears matter, and comfort is not far from you—even when it feels distant. God is near to the brokenhearted, and He walks patiently with those who mourn.
Randy
Celebrate & Remember Funeral Pastor 