Grieving the Death of a Loved One

Many of you have suffered the premature death of a loved one—either a mate, a brother or sister, a son or daughter, a close relative, or a very, very close friend. Except for aging grandparents and parents, I have not had to personally go through that depth of the grieving process at this point in my life. I do understand, to some degree, that it is very real and very difficult.

Perhaps you have also experienced how awkward and difficult it can be to relate to someone who is currently going through the grieving process.

Recently a member who is grieving the death of her husband sent me a link to a split-sermon given by David Wallauch, a member of our Orange County (California) congregation, who is grieving after the death of his wife two years ago.

Mr. Wallauch discusses some of his own reactions and experiences regarding the grief process. He also recommends a book by Megan Devine, “It’s OK That You’re Not OK.” Mr. Wallauch mentions 11 very practical ways to help and comfort someone who is grieving, as given in this book.

I would strongly recommend that all of our ministers and members take 30 minutes to listen to this very heartfelt, enlightening and instructive message: “Coping with the Reality of Grief—How to Help a Friend in Grief.” Here is a link to the sermon: https://www.ucg.org/sermons/the-reality-of-grief-how-to-help-a-friend-in-grief

While listening to this message, I couldn’t help but consider how much God our Father and Jesus Christ have grieved because of Their great love for all humankind, and all the pain and suffering they have witnessed and personally experienced.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Isaiah 53:3).

We all long for a time in the future when there will no longer be pain, sorrow and suffering.

May God speed the coming of His eternal Kingdom!

Moreover, may you all have a very physically restful and spiritually inspiring Sabbath day!