PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS WHO ARE GRIEVING

Some things that we experience in life are quite unpleasant, even painful. Losing a special person is like that. When Jesus’ disciples are grieving the loss of someone, what suggestions could we offer? 

⬧ Embrace the notion that it is not wrong to grieve. Grieving is part of the human experience, and that holds true for Christians as well as those who are not. First-century saints grieved when they lost a person who was special to them (Mark 16:10). 

⬧ Take your heart’s burden to the Lord. He tells us to come to His throne of grace to receive mercy, grace, and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). He wants us to cast our care on Him (1 Peter 5:7). 

⬧ Acknowledge that the one about whom you cared so much has died and will not return. When Abraham lost his beloved Sarah, he openly referred to her as “dead” multiple times (Genesis 23:4,8,12). 

⬧ Read and meditate on the Scriptures. They can help provide perspective and comfort. “I have remembered Your judgments of old, O LORD, and have comforted myself” (Psalm 119:52). 

⬧ God made us with the capacity to remember (2 Timothy 1:5). Hang on to your precious memories. 

⬧ Guard your heart from anger with God (Ephesians 4:31). Yes, you lost a special person, and your pain is real. But, no, the Lord is not unloving or unfair. Being upset with Him is never appropriate. 

⬧ Rather than focus on what is missing in your life, thank God for His ongoing blessings (Colossians 3:15).

⬧ When possible, accept the kindness of others. When others see you grieving, they may pay special attention to you. They have good intentions. Do not unconditionally reject their offer to help you and their efforts to encourage you. At times, we are a blessing to others when we allow them to serve us. 

⬧ Try not to “beat yourself up” over missed opportunities or mistakes you made that now are impossible to undo. We may have regrets for things we failed to do or say, but we cannot change the past. Let us strive to press onward (Philippians 3:13,14). 

⬧ If the one whom we lost was a loyal servant of Jesus, take comfort in knowing he/she will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17,18). 

⬧ The thought of moving on with our life can feel overwhelming. Rather than worry about what lies ahead, try to take it one day at a time (Matthew 6:34). 

For some people, their grieving may never cease as long as they are living on the earth. The sorrow, however, may become less intense with the passing of time and other changes which occur in life. 

(extracted from TRUTH, a monthly publication to help educate, edify, encourage, and equip the saints of God.)