How can we rejoice always when Jesus said “blessed are those who mourn”?
Philippians 4:4
Philippians 4:2 - 9
ESV - 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
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Asked June 01 2021
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
I would say that there are two types of mourning -- temporal and eternal. People (even Christians) may rightfully mourn in this temporal world over the sin, suffering, death that are still present; that break valued relationships that Christians have; and that were not God's original intent in creating the world and its inhabitants. But when they do mourn, Jesus promises that they will be comforted. And the greatest of those comforts -- and one that allows Christians to rejoice even during such periods of sadness -- is knowing that Jesus has defeated the worst that the world can do, and, because of that, we will similarly and ultimately share along with Him in the greatest triumph possible -- eternal life in God's presence. They thus avoid the eternal mourning -- which Jesus described on multiple occasions (such as Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 22:13, and Matthew 24:51) as being characterized by weeping and gnashing of teeth -- that will be present among the unredeemed.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Tim made a strong point here: MT 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. MT 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. MT 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. MT 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. LU 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Danny Hickman
Supporter
Jesus said 'those who mourn are blessed.' What He didn't say is 'ONLY those who mourn are blessed.' He didn't say 'If you have a choice to mourn or to rejoice, choose to mourn if you want to be blessed.' He didn't offer a comparison of mourning and rejoicing, and conclude that mourning is of more spiritual value. There is spiritual value in mourning, but the same is true for rejoicing. Those who mourn are blessed as well as those who rejoice, is what it all means. He's not telling us that mourning is a blessing. There is no blessing in crying and being sad. But mourners are blessed. Why? "For (Because) they will be comforted." (Mt 5:4) Ecclesiastes 7:2 ~ It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. That was verse 2. Verse 1 is very similar. Eccl 7:1~ A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It doesn't stop there; Eccl 7:3 ~ Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. These are comparisons; wisdom is being compared to foolishness for their eternal values. Mourning, death, sadness, causes us to ponder and consider our mortality, whereas laughter and rejoicing don't. These truths cause some believers to think there's sin inherent in happiness; that mourning produces holiness and spiritual growth, and is to be desired.That's because those scriptures are misunderstood by some believers. I have never and will never invite sorrow to come into my life. And if it comes around, I will try to rid myself of its presence as quickly as possible. Given a choice to go to a wedding reception or to attend a funeral, which would most of us choose? Of course, those of us who are spiritually healthy would choose to attend the wedding party. Solomon knew that, that's why he wrote what he wrote. He's not trying to get us to choose differently. He's telling us of the value of the two. He's not saying being sad and depressed is better TO us than rejoicing and being happy. He's saying it's better FOR us. Sometimes... But not all the time; Paul balanced it out for us when he wrote, 'Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep' (Romans 12:15). Jesus says 'rejoice that your names are written in heaven.' (Luke 10:20) We're told to rejoice always. 1 Thess 5:16, Phil 4:4. Nowhere are we told to 'mourn as often as we get the chance.'
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