This week, I find myself preparing for two funerals. As I sit with the weight of this, I’ve been reflecting on the reality of grief and the deep emotions that accompany losing someone we love. Grief is one of the most universal experiences, yet it feels intensely personal every time we encounter it. No two people grieve the same way, and no two losses feel the same.
As people of faith, we are often reminded of the hope of eternal life, but that doesn’t erase the very real pain of grief. Even Jesus, knowing he would raise Lazarus from the dead, wept with those mourning (John 11:35). That moment in scripture is a powerful reminder that grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. Instead, it’s a reflection of the deep love we had for the person who is no longer with us. Grief and love are intertwined, and when we lose someone, we grieve because they mattered so much to us. It’s okay to feel that sorrow and to let ourselves mourn.
But in our grief, we are also reminded that we are not without hope. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 encourage us not to grieve like those who have no hope. As Christians, we believe that death is not the end of the story. The resurrection of Christ gives us the assurance that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of God, where there will be no more death, pain, or tears. While that promise doesn’t take away the sadness we feel today, it gives us strength and hope as we walk through the valley of grief.
Grief is a journey, and it’s one that takes time. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and each person’s experience is different. As we navigate loss, let’s give ourselves and others grace to process it in their own way. Let’s also remember that God is with us, even in our darkest moments, and that God’s love is a constant presence, bringing comfort, hope, and healing over time.