“a time to mourn…” (Ecclesiastes 3: 4)

We do a disservice to our family and friends when we suggest that they should not mourn. Why shouldn’t they mourn? Mourning is a natural and necessary response to a significant loss. We mourn at the loss of a loved one. We mourn at the loss of a relationship. We mourn at the loss of a job. We mourn at the loss of precious property. When we mourn, it means that we care. It means that we love. It means that we will miss that which has been loss. It means that we are human.

Being saved does not require a person to be emotionless. Indeed, the Bible not only permits, but encourages mourning. However, watch what it says about it: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” (I Thessalonians 4: 13)

We do sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. Though our eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are heavy, we still have the: 1). Hope of change. We hope in the power of God to change and reverse the consequences of whatever it is that we have lost. 2). Hope of healing. We hope in the grace of God to heal and reconcile whatever it is that has become sick. 3). Hope of restoration. We hope in the love of God to bind and restore whatever it is that has been broken; and 4). Hope of eternal life. We hope in the mercy of God to save whoever it is that has committed his or her soul of Christ.

Each of us grieves and mourns in their own unique way. In times of loss, we should mourn. We must mourn. However, as children of God, we do so with hope.