Seems like a silly question, right? And, honestly, I’ve never had anyone tell me that I shouldn’t grieve, just because I’m a believer. And yet, sometimes I sense there’s just a bit of an undercurrent that might suggest we have so much to look forward to in heavenly eternity, that we really shouldn’t be grieving this loss.
There’s a scripture text that God has been bringing to my mind over the past month or two, but somehow it hadn’t made it into the blog post line-up. Well, this past Sunday, our sermon at church was on the exact text that I had been mulling around in my head. Gee, maybe God does want me to get to this!
So, apologies to our pastor for anything that might appear to be plagiarism on my part!
The scripture text is this: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Paul was speaking to the early church and trying to allay their fears and/or misconceptions about what happens when believers die – or as the scripture indicates, fall “asleep.” I won’t take the time here to fully support the fact that we don’t actually fall asleep when we die. Just know that it’s used as a euphemism for death in this case.
He is letting them know that they need not grieve the way the unbelieving world might grieve – those who have no relationship with Jesus or whose loved ones did not. He wants this early church to understand the hope that we have of spending eternity with God AND our believing family and friends.
And to be sure, there is MUCH to anticipate. One of the very best ways that I can find relief from my grief is to meditate on the promise of heaven – and all that it entails. I write about this often – spending FOREVER with Almighty God and our Savior, Jesus. And being reunited with those who we desperately miss and grieve in this life. I get so much joy from imagining my reunion with Dale. It’s one of the visions that keeps me going through these dark days.
So, with all these wonderful promises ahead of us – and with God beside us in our trial – could we make a case for Christians NOT grieving?
Let’s look a little closer at that text. It doesn’t say that we don’t grieve. It just says that we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. There’s a monumental difference.
The Bible is full of scriptures and stories that highlight the grief of so many. Jesus grieved with Lazarus’ sisters after his death (John 11:35). Abraham grieved the loss of his dear wife Sarah (Gen. 23:1). The Psalms are chock full of examples of grieving – over circumstances and over death. And the Bible clearly instructs us to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
So yes, absolutely Christians should still grieve. God has created us with those emotions. While we still live in this earthly body, we will cry tears of grief. But here’s another great biblical promise – I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow (Jeremiah 31:13).
Some day our sorrows will be gone and will be replaced by an everlasting joy. That thought absolutely comforts me. But it doesn’t dry all my tears, nor does it take away my sorrow. Only eternity with Jesus will do that.
I’m reminded of the words from the MercyMe song “Homesick.”
“You’re in a better place,
I’ve heard a thousand times.
And at least a thousand times
I’ve rejoiced for you.
But the reason why I’m broken,
the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you.”
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home’s where my heart is then I’m out of place.
Lord, won’t you give me strength to make it through somehow.
I’ve never been more homesick than now.”
Boy, can I relate to that! I DO rejoice that Dale is whole again with no physical or mental pain. But, how long must I wait…? Feels like an eternity down here, but I know in the scope of TRUE eternity, it’s really just a whisper of time. “Lord, give me strength to make it through somehow.”
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3