WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT GRIEF?

If you’ve ever made the journey through grief, you know it’s a difficult and life-changing experience. But what does the Bible say about grief? 

As Christians, we sometimes forget that we have a handy guidebook written to us by the Father to help us in times of sorrow and pain. Here you will find inspiration from God’s Word for finding hope during grief. 

The Complexity And Healthy Expression Of Grief

In John 11, Jesus goes to see the body of Lazarus, who He is to raise from death. Verse 33 says that Jesus groaned in the spirit upon seeing Mary and the Jews who came to Him weeping. This groaning was the strong feeling of grief that Jesus experienced at knowing the pain of his loved ones. It is an overwhelming feeling!

The Holy Spirit is the great comforter, and takes out internal groans of sorrow to the Father. There’s a great comfort indeed in knowing we don’t need to say the words our soul is uttering in grief; He already knows. 

Verse 35 is beautiful in that it is so simple but powerful.

“Jesus wept.”

God in the flesh is weeping at the death of His friend whom He loved. It’s a permission to feel and express our pains, even if some won’t understand how you’re feeling. 

If you’re looking for a place to be open, a pastoral care grief and loss group would be an excellent start. Oftentimes, being with others who know the groanings of your soul can help you heal. 

Grief As A Christian 

As a Christian, you may feel guilty for mourning someone who was saved because you know where their soul is, so you shouldn’t feel sad. This may be true, but Jesus Himself knew Lazarus’s fate and still wept and groaned in the spirit. It’s just the natural reaction to losing someone. 

It’s only natural to feel sorrow at the loss of a loved one’s life. God expects us to grieve. Even if you know their soul is saved, you still have to realize the fact that you will never have another earthly experience with them. You won’t have interactions, loving words, or reassuring hugs. God understands your pain, and He asks us to talk to Him while we process major changes like death. After all, the Holy Spirit is the great comforter and taking time to be with Him always helps. 

If you are looking for a pastoral care grief and loss group curriculum for your church or grief group, check out our website today and find out how you can help find hope during grief.