“Blessed Are All They That Mourn”

Bryan Richards

No one should doubt God's ability to comfort the mourner. The very suffering of the atonement increased Jesus' already divine empathy, he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy…that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people (Alma 7:12). Tad Callister noted:

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave this insight into the relationship between the Atonement and the Savior's succoring powers: 'His empathy and capacity to succor us—in our own sickness, temptations, or sins—were demonstrated and perfected in the process of the great atonement.' He also said, 'The marvelous atonement brought about not only immortality but also the final perfection of Jesus' empathetic and helping capacity.'"
"…No mortal can cry out, 'he does not understand my plight for my trials are unique.' There is nothing outside the scope of the Savior's experience. As Elder Maxwell observed, 'None of us can tell Christ anything about depression.' As a result of his mortal experience, culminating in the Atonement, the Savior knows understands, and feels every human condition, every human woe, and every human loss. He can comfort as no other. He can lift burdens as no other. He can listen as no other." (Tad Callister, Infinite Atonement, pp. 207-9)

Bruce R. McConkie

"Those who are bereft of loved ones, having learned the purposes of the Lord in the brief separation called death, shall be comforted. The peace that passeth understanding shall rest upon all those who have a knowledge of the plan of salvation. What greater comfort is there than to know that lost loved ones shall be returned to the family unit, and that all the saints shall reign in joy and peace forever? And further: When He comes again whose right it is to rule, he 'shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.' (Rev. 21:4.) They that mourn shall be comforted!" (The Mortal Messiah, Book 2, p. 121)

Russell M. Nelson

"My heart goes out to each individual who bears the burden of mourning. I share my feelings of empathy and sympathy. The separation imposed by the departure of a loved one evokes pangs of sorrow and shock among those left behind. The hurt is real. Only its intensity varies. Even though we understand the doctrine—even though we dearly love God and his eternal plan—mourning remains. It is not only normal; it is a healthy reaction. Mourning is one of the purest expressions of deep love. It is a perfectly natural response—in complete accord with divine commandment: 'Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.' (D&C 42:45.)
"Moreover, we can't fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.
"…Where can we turn for peace? We can come unto the Lord Jesus Christ. With consummate love, he said: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' (John 14:27.) His peace differs from that offered by any other. His is the peace provided by our knowledge of the resurrection. His gift of life after death applies to all mankind.
"…Grief is assuaged as his peace enters our lives. It brings true understanding and calm assurance that all is well. 'The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4:7.) Peace comes when we go directly to our best friend—the Prince of Peace. We find solace when we lose ourselves in service to him and to our neighbors." (The Gateway We Call Death, p. 22-24)

Gordon B. Hinckley

"Now to those of you who have lost a companion in death, our hearts go out to you with love and understanding. As a man once observed, 'There exists no cure for a heart wounded with the sword of separation'
"With many of you there is the gnawing pain of bereavement and fear. To you the Lord has said, 'Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted' (Matt. 5:4).
"We know there are many days of loneliness and nights of longing. But there is also that which comes from Him who said, 'I, even I, am he that comforteth you' (Isa. 51:12).
"The Lord is your strength. He is available to you, and when invited, by His Spirit He will come to you.
"You too have great talents to enrich the lives of others. You will find comfort and strength as you lose yourself in their service. Your own troubles will be forgotten as you help others with theirs. Your burdens will become lighter as you lift the burdens of the downtrodden and the oppressed." (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, "Widows and Widowers")

Robert E. Wells

"Since mourning is so universal, the Lord must have a purpose for having us experience it. There is no doubt but that he softens and molds us and touches us most deeply when we are mourning." (The Mount and the Master, p. 20)

GospelDoctrine.Com

References