Grief can hit us like a ton of bricks. Even when a loss is expected it can still shock us emotionally. Knowing what to say to comfort someone when they're grieving can be difficult. And knowing what to do to find comfort as a bereaved individual can be just as hard.
For each of us grief is an individual journey. There's no quick and lasting fix to heal the pain that so often characterises the loss of a loved one, but there are certain things that we can do to cope better with bereavement. Talking about how we feel, surrounding ourselves with love, remembering the happy moments that we shared before the person's passing can all help ease the grieving process.
God doesn't want us to suffer in silence or in solitude. He's always there to listen to us as we come to terms with the death of those we love, and His word is there to soothe and support as we grieve or help others to.
Whether you've recently lost someone close to you, or are helping someone else in the aftermath of their loss, these nine Bible verses are useful to remember.
Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Psalm 77:10-12 - Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds."
Revelation 14:13 - Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - 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. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Lamentations 3:31-33 - For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
John 14:1-4 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
