Finding comfort in scriptures: How to face the death of a loved one

During your lifetime, you will inevitably come across the sad reality of death. This could be the loss of someone you love, whether it's a family member, friend, or even news of a stranger you see on a screen. 

Dealing with death can make you feel very sad, especially when it's someone you care about. 

Sometimes, even if you had strong faith, you might struggle with the idea of blaming God for the loss you've experienced.

However, it is important to understand that blaming God isn't the solution. 

While death is the end of a person's time on Earth and something we can't avoid, we have to accept it. The real challenge is figuring out how to come to terms with this reality and find comfort even when we're hurting.

In this article, we will help you face the death of a loved one and find comfort in several Scriptures.

Definition of death in the Bible

Based on the Bible, death isn't the end of life but the soul being separated from the body. The Bible talks about living forever with God in Heaven or being apart from God in hell.

However, death wasn't part of God's plan, which is why it feels strange and hard to deal with.

We were meant to keep on living. But when we turned away from God and started following our desires, everything went wrong and death became a part of life (Romans 8:18-23).

Even Jesus experienced physical death (Matthew 27:50), just like all humans. 

However, the difference is that Jesus never sinned, so He didn't deserve to die. Jesus beat death when He came back to life on the third day.

So, because of Jesus, death doesn't have the final say. When a believer's body is in the ground, waiting to be brought back to life, their spirit is with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). 

For someone who doesn't believe, it is different. 

They die twice: first, their body is buried, and then they're forever away from God. This is called the "second death" in Revelation 21:8.

How to accept the death of a loved one

Now that you are certain your loved one is at peace with Christ, the focus shifts to finding ways to cope with your loss. 

Here are different approaches to help you handle your feelings during this time.

Grieve 

Allow yourself to feel and mourn your loss. 

The Bible does not hide the truth that death is painful and dealing with it is not easy. One of the most striking stories about the hurt of death is in John 11. 

There, in just two words, "Jesus wept," you see the strong pain of death. Even though Jesus knows what comes next, he still cries when a friend dies.

Surround yourself with support 

Lean on the people around you. 

Seek solace in the embrace of family and friends who genuinely care about your well-being. 

Sharing your thoughts and emotions with them can provide a comforting outlet. 

Moreover, try to talk to God in these trying times. Express your feelings to Him without putting Him at fault as He will be the one to ease your pain.

Prepare yourself to be reminded of their death 

Mentally equip yourself for the moments when memories of your loved one resurface unexpectedly. 

Reminders can come in various forms— a photograph, a particular place, or a specific date that holds significance. 

Anticipating these reminders can help you manage the surge of emotions that may accompany them.

Preserve your memories with them

Holding onto tangible connections with your departed loved one can provide a sense of continuity and comfort. 

Keep mementos like photographs, letters, or personal belongings that hold sentimental value. 

Such physical items serve as touchstones to the precious moments you shared. Reflecting on them can be a therapeutic way to stay connected and honor the memory of your loved one.

Creating a space in which these mementos are prominently displayed can establish a comforting environment that encourages reminiscence and healing.

Know that there will be joy 

Grief follows an unpredictable path, and while it may seem that sorrow will persist indefinitely, emotions tend to fluctuate. 

Over time, as you navigate the intricate journey of mourning, you'll find moments of happiness and contentment.

Revelation 21:4 says, "God will wipe away all tears... no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain." The hurt from grief is real, but the peace from God is real too.

Comforting scriptures to help you accept the death of a loved one

You can find solace in Scripture when confronted with death, as its words offer guidance and solace during difficult times.

Here are some verses you can explore for comfort.

They will rise with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:1) 

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live to please God, as you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”

When we put our faith in the fact that Jesus died and came back to life, it is more than just recognizing historical events. 

It is about placing our trust in Him as our Savior. This trust gives us a way to cope with our grief and to offer support to others who are grieving too. 

Just like Jesus' resurrection is a real thing, it's a source of comfort and optimism for us as we navigate our sadness. 

Moreover, just as Jesus emerged victorious from death, we can also be sure that our loved ones have a future resurrection that's full of splendor.

The Lord will strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The Lord offers strength and support, eliminating fear. Amid challenges and uncertainties, you can draw on the Lord's strength, finding comfort in His presence. 

His promise to uphold you and guide you through difficult times serves as a source of courage.

There is hope (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.”

Even in the face of death, there is hope. 

Those who have passed away in Christ will be brought back to life upon His return. This reassurance lets you approach grief with the knowledge that death isn't the end— it is a temporary separation. 

Through faith in Christ, you can cling to the hope of being reunited with loved ones in the future.

You will be healed (Psalm 147:3)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

In times of emotional pain and distress, know that God can heal your broken heart and bind your wounds. 

Trust in His ability to provide comfort and restoration, allowing you to find solace in His compassionate care.

They will be together with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17) 

“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

In the verses of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Paul directs your attention to two joyful gatherings. 

Firstly, believers who are alive at Christ's return will be transformed and united with those who were resurrected. This reunion is a testament to the power of Christ's resurrection. 

Secondly, all believers will meet the Lord in His glory. These gatherings are marked by the presence of Jesus, and they offer a glimpse of the glorious unity and eternal life that await your Christian loved ones.

Accepting death

Death is a natural part of life, and even though it brings pain, we, as Christians, must understand that it is not God’s fault. 

God did not intend it to be part of His original plan. Remarkably, He took steps to connect with us in our mortality, sending His Son to conquer death through His own earthly passing. 

With this being said, in the face of this reality, find solace in Scripture, learn how to manage our grief, and discover comfort in God's words.

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