0

Is mourning about a loved one godly sorrow or worldly sorrow?

Sorrow from a loved one's death is devastating.  Godly or worldly sorrow?

Clarify Share Report Asked May 10 2018 Open uri20160825 6966 rhyaou John Matthews Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

0
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
In Matthew 5:4, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Despite the assurance and comfort that Christians have regarding eternal life, physical death is still an inescapable fact of earthly existence. I take Christ's words to indicate that it is completely acceptable to God for a Christian to feel sorrow and to mourn at the death of another person, especially someone that the mourner has loved or been close to.

At the same time, however, Christians (both because of their faith, and for the sake of their own personal welfare) should also not allow themselves to be overwhelmed with such sorrow, or permit it to have a lasting or long-term negative effect on their daily lives, or on their relationship with God. Such a reaction would (in my opinion) turn their mourning into "worldly sorrow", since they would then be mourning as one who "had no hope", which Paul cautioned against (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

However, I would also not refer to their mourning as "godly sorrow" in the sense in which the Bible uses the term. This term appears only once in Scripture (2 Corinthians 7:10-11), and refers specifically to the sorrow of individuals over their past sins and conduct that leads them to turn to Christ for forgiveness and salvation. It is not related to mourning another person following the person's death.

May 11 2018 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining