Mourning

Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love.

Russell M. Nelson, “Doors of Death,” General Conference, April 1992

Jesus said, “Blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” (3 Nephi 12:4; see also Matthew 5:4). Was He simply reassuring the sorrowful that better times are ahead? Or was He encouraging His disciples to mourn?

“Thou shalt live together in love,” He instructed church members in Kirtland, Ohio, “insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:45). When you open your heart to feel love, you also open your heart to feel the full range of emotions, including sorrow at separation. President Russell M. Nelson said, “The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life” (“Doors of Death,” General Conference, April 1992).

Furthermore, when we love someone, we share their sorrows. Alma encouraged his people at the waters of Mormon “to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9). When we love someone, their pain becomes our pain and their sorrow our sorrow. Mourning with them is a manifestation of our love for them.

Today, I will open my heart to feel sorrow for the suffering of those I love. I will also remember those I love who have passed away. I will trust God’s promise that all those who mourn will be comforted.