The Unavoidable Pain of Loss

Although none of us want to think about it, loss is something we all eventually face. As Christians, grief and finding peace is a difficult journey, but our faith helps us navigate the pain. Whether it’s the passing of someone due to old age or a sudden, tragic event, the impact of loss hits hard and cuts deep.

Regardless of how it happens, grief is something we must all confront at some point. The weight of it can feel overwhelming, and for Christians, this often leads to a mental and spiritual struggle.

Grieving for Loved Ones in Christ

When we lose someone who knew and followed Jesus, we might try to comfort ourselves by rejoicing because they’ve reached glory. Theologically, this is true—our loved ones are with Christ. But let’s be honest, it doesn’t always bring the comfort we expect. It’s not as simple as flipping a switch in our minds. Our hearts still ache, and the grief remains.

The deeper pain can emerge when we lose someone who didn’t know Christ. In these situations, grief can feel almost unbearable, leading to depression, mental anguish, and sometimes anger toward God.

Handling the Unknown with Faith

As believers, we often respond in one of two ways when we lose someone who may not have accepted Jesus. Some of us experience profound sorrow, knowing the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. This deepens our grief as we grapple with the spiritual fate of our loved one.

Others may try to find comfort by convincing themselves that their loved one could have accepted Christ at the last moment. Friends and family often say things like, “Only God knows their heart,” in an effort to provide peace in the uncertainty.

Regardless of which approach we take, we are still left with painful questions. Yet, we are called to trust God, even when answers remain elusive. We have to leave the unknown in His hands. God is faithful, even when we don’t have all the answers.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7, ESV)

Finding Peace through Jesus’ Example

One of the most comforting truths of Christianity is that we serve a Savior who understands grief firsthand. Jesus, fully God and fully man, experienced the death of a loved one when Lazarus passed away. His deep sorrow is captured in one of the most powerful moments in Scripture.

When Jesus saw Mary and the others weeping for Lazarus, John 11:35 tells us, “Jesus wept.”

Even though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus still felt the weight of loss. His empathy and sorrow remind us that our grief is understood by the One who saves us.

As we walk through grief, we can find peace in knowing that Jesus understands our sorrow. He weeps with us in our pain and offers comfort. While we may not find immediate answers to the questions that plague us, we can trust that God’s love and grace will carry us through. In the journey of grief and finding peace, we are never alone.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39, ESV)

If you’re seeking more guidance and support in understanding grief, these posts may offer additional help:

• Christ’s Ability to Empathize with the Loss of a Loved One
• When Loss Hits Close to Home for the First Time
• Have You Experienced Sorrow?

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

• How have you seen God’s comfort in your moments of grief?
• Do you struggle with the unknown when it comes to loved ones who didn’t know Christ?
• What Scripture has brought you peace during times of loss?