As Christians, how we grieve in Christ is a matter of maturity in Christ. At least, this has been my experience. Before I was saved, I grieved severely when someone I loved died. Indeed, even in other times of significant loss, I grieved. However, I don’t recall grieving for very long, whether it was false hope or something else. I don’t ever remember turning to God in grief with questions. Of course, I didn’t know God, but it seems a common trope for people to question God in times of great sorrow and grief. Even if they aren’t Christians.

Yet, when I was much younger in Christ than I am today, I went through what I called at the time “The Year of Loss.” During this time, my best friend died, and I suffered several other losses in close proximity. Instead of seeking God more in my grief, my first response had been to stifle it. However, keeping all that pain inside was difficult after each loss.

This leads me to something Paul said to the church at Thessalonica.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV)

This verse is comforting because it tells me that I’m not the only Christian to not handle grief very well. As I said, I didn’t handle the situation as well because I wasn’t as mature in the Lord as I am today. Concerning maturity, I mean that there was “stuff” I hadn’t gone through yet as a Christian that I needed to go through. I know there are some areas where I have yet to grow, just as there are areas where I have grown.

When I think about what it means to grieve like the world and what it means to grieve as a Christian, this verse comes to mind.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6 (NIV)

This verse promises that we will be with the Lord when we die. Therefore, anyone we know who has died in Christ is now with the Lord. Thus, we ought not to weep and wail as the world does because our hope is in God. If, as Christians, we desire our family and friends to be saved, then we need to behave like it when someone dies. What kind of witness are we if we act like our hope in God is worthless?

Indeed, it’s not just in times of death but in all circumstances. How we carry ourselves at all times. In trials and tribulations, as well as times of prosperity, reveal where our hope and faith lie.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.