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A Biblical Response to Grief and Pain (All Saints Sunday)
Lamentations 3:22-23 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

This Sunday is All Saints Sunday, we remember those who have served God on earth and now enjoy His company in heaven. This is not a day of sorrow, but a day of gladness, for we know that because Christ lives, we too shall live with the company of all those who are part of the family of Christ. We remember the words of Paul when he instructed the church with these words, “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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Notice that Paul is not telling these believers that Christians do not grieve. Rather he is telling them not to grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Many people who are trying to comfort someone experiencing grief say, “God never gives us more than we can handle.” I believe this can backfire, making the person grieving feel worse.

Life—not God—sends adversity to us all. As pastor and chaplain, I have learned that empathy and shared grief can work miracles. Sometimes we are tested beyond our resources and strength. I know this all too well with my own personal losses. I feel overwhelmed by life and sometimes it is more than I can handle. I understand that these feelings come and go, and God gives us something to enable us to endure. The apostle Paul assures us that when we are tested beyond our strength, God will provide away through until, free on the other side, we can walk forward into the light of a new day.

Grace & Peace,
Stephen