Philippians 4:4—How can we rejoice always when Jesus said “blessed are those who mourn”?

Problem: Paul commands us here to “Rejoice in the Lord always,” but Jesus insisted that “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matt. 5:4).

Solution: Properly understood, these are not mutually exclusive. Mourning is the condition and rejoicing is the result of a proper relation to God. It is those who humble themselves whom God lifts up (cf. James 4:10). So it is those who mourn in their spirit who will be able to rejoice in their Lord. True sorrow for sin is the antecedent of the consequent joy of salvation.

This excerpt is from When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1992). © 2014 Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Click here to purchase this book.