Hope’s Light in the Midst of Grief

But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Paul says that we should not be without understanding about those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. We believe that Jesus died and rose again. In the same way, God will raise those who have fallen asleep in Jesus to be with him.

When we lose someone dear, tears and sorrow are natural. To grieve with hope does not mean hiding our tears; it means entrusting our sorrow to God. May this hope sustain us through family struggles, busy work, the loneliness of life away from home, and worries about illness or exams.

In this Month of the Holy Souls, let us remember with love those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. Let us place our sorrow and hope in the Lord’s hands. May we stay close to someone who is grieving today and offer a word of comfort.