Mourning and the Comfort of Community

Mourning is a struggle every human being will deal with at least once throughout life. Because each human being was created by God to be unique, everyone mourns differently and each at his or her own pace. However, it is important to remember that the struggle and pain that come with mourning should not be dealt with alone. Matthew 5:4 reads, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

What does it mean for those who mourn to be blessed? Those who mourn are blessed by God, who is loving and caring. Those who mourn are blessed to seek comfort in Him.

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security” (Jeremiah 33:6).

Throughout the mourning process, one way to seek comfort is through prayer. God is always listening. Share your pain and struggles with God for, in Him, you will find healing and peace. Your pain is not to be a burden you carry endlessly; give it to God.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).

When mourning, seek comfort in others from God’s community. As Christians, we are called to love one another and to lift one another up. Surround yourself with those who love you, support you, and want to see and help you grow from the pain of mourning. Allow the light of fellow Christians to guide you through dark times, for they have seen them too, and God has comforted them as well.

“The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). Give glory to God by focusing on helping others through prayer, volunteering and sharing your story. Giving is a way of healing the soul because it offers the chance of bringing God to people who have never known Him, and showing them His love. Giving to others is giving back to God.

When mourning, a person should feel loved and safe. Through prayer and community, one can find God’s love through God and through others who love God. Through giving back, one can share God’s love with others. God is loving, so seek comfort in Him, for blessed are those who mourn.

Allison Perry is a student at Greenville University and a section editor of The Scriblerus arts journal. She previously wrote “How to Be a Leader” for Light + Life.