What the Bible Says About Handling Loss
March 5, 2021

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am.” —John 14:1-3
…grieve not as others do, who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13

How to Grieve Without Hope

1. Bury your feelings.
2. Grieve alone.
3. Expect time to heal you.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd.” —John 10:10,11

Biblical Way to Handle Loss

1. Feel your feelings.

…able to sympathize with our weaknesses… —Hebrews 4:15
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

RON’S LITTLE POEM
He will not let me down.
He will not let me drown.
He will not let me fall.
He will answer when I call.

“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” —John 11:21
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.” —John 11:25,26
Jesus wept. —John 11:35
As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. —Romans 12:18

2. Grieve with others.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. —Romans 12:15

3. Let the Holy Spirit heal you.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” —Matthew 5:4
“The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit…” —John 14:26
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles… —2 Corinthians 1:3,4
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:10
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:20


RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
One-on-One Grief Support

Rachel 314-292-8328

Biblical Counseling
Marty 314-292-8306

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Info Centers & Online
gracestl.org/small-groups
gracestl.org/support-groups

Discussion Group
Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth
Sundays @ 9:15 am • Room B211

Book
Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams


Discussion Questions
1. People grieve over major losses in life besides just the death of a loved one. What other kinds of losses might lead to grief?


2. Read Proverbs 18:13. Imagine a widow learns that her neighbor just lost her husband. Why would it be foolish to rush over and say, “I know how you feel?” Is it possible that she does know how she feels? If so, how will she find out if their experiences are the same?


3. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Why is it shy and outgoing people can be great comforters?