Losing someone you love can turn the world upside down. Ordinary days feel strange, and questions about God can become very sharp. Where was he? Why didn’t he stop it? Is the person I love really gone?
Grief is not a lack of faith
Some people feel they should be stronger, or that tears mean they don’t trust God. The Bible never says that. It is full of lament, and it shows Jesus weeping at the grave of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35), even though he knew what he was about to do.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Hope that love is not defeated
Christians do grieve, but the Bible says they grieve with hope:
But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
That hope rests on Jesus’ own resurrection, and on what he said to Martha, Lazarus’ grieving sister:
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25–26
Christians believe death is real and painful, but it is not the end of the story, and love is not ultimately lost.
One day at a time
There is no right way or timetable for grief. If you can, let people help you. If grief becomes overwhelming, talk to your GP, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.
If you would like someone to talk with, or to pray with you, we would be honoured to listen.
