Have you experienced grief during Easter or any other holiday?
April 12, 1998, was Easter Sunday. That day would touch my family's hearts and souls forever. My daddy, Paul Lee, passed into the arms of Jesus in the evening. The family had gathered by his bedside to show love and support. We held his hands, arranged the blankets, and shared with Daddy that we knew he was ready to go to Jesus. His struggle with cancer had come to an end. The pain and suffering he endured would no longer hold him captive. Grief and mourning had begun long ago when we had learned his diagnosis. Now, how would we handle life without our beloved daddy? His death was even more profound because the day was Easter Sunday. Our Easter grief would be with us forever. Yet, our mourning turns to joy when we remember daddy is with the Father. How do we handle grieving loved ones during Easter?
What Does Easter Teach Us About Grieving?
The death of a loved one brings grief and heartache. Whether the person dies on Easter or another time, the sadness is there. Mourning comes at different times and in different ways. Yes, as Christians, we can rejoice, knowing the person we love so deeply is with Jesus. Perhaps we look for comfort knowing the pain and suffering of an illness ceased with the death. Have you heard someone say how they are glad their loved one is not suffering any longer?
As we read or hear Scripture sharing about Jesus dying on the cross, we are heartbroken over the suffering He endured. God knows our hearts. He knows we cry. He collects every tear. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8 NIV)
Easter teaches us that from the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30) to Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:1-54) to Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 28), we find hope in the Lord.
What Did Jesus Say About Grieving?
Jesus knew about grief. In Scripture, two profound words are found: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35 NIV).
Scripture shares how Jesus, the Son of God, felt emotions like everyone. His time on this earth held many experiences, some happy and others sad. Jesus grieved for Lazarus. The Bible tells how Lazarus was sick, so his sisters Mary and Martha sent word that they needed Jesus. Jesus arrived after delaying the trip a few days. When Jesus saw how deeply the sisters and others were saddened and troubled, Jesus wept. The Bible shares verses about grief. Those verses can bring comfort when we are grieving.
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
“My Father’s house has many rooms: if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2 NIV)
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” (John 16:20 NIV)
How do we handle our grief? God will cover us with His peace and comfort when we mourn at Easter and at every moment. We can go to Him and ask for help.
What Can We Learn from the Women Weeping Over Jesus?
The Gospel of Luke shares how on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, the soldiers led Jesus away. Women were among the ones who mourned and wailed for Him.
“Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me: weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28 NIV)
Emotions were deep the times before, during, and after the crucifixion of Jesus. We can learn from the women who were weeping over Jesus. The words of the Lord in Luke 23:28 tell them not to weep for Him but to weep for themselves and their children. Jesus knew He was fulfilling the will of His Father. Jesus wanted everyone to have a relationship with God.
We cry when we lose a loved one. Our tears are one way we show grief. Holding in our tears and emotions can be harmful, according to physicians. Jesus told the women not to weep for Him but for people who did not believe. Through the weeping women, we learn that weeping is one way to express grief.
How Does Easter Give Grieving People Hope?
Every moment that Jesus endured in His life was in preparation for the cross and the resurrection.
While friends and family of Jesus grieved His death, the believers knew He would rise again. Hallelujah!
Easter teaches us that there is hope even in the heartache of losing a loved one.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” (1 Thessalonians4:13-14 NIV)
Often, signs are placed in front yards of homes and churches on Easter. “He is Risen, Risen Indeed” is proclaimed through the printed words and through the people’s voices. Hope is found in Him.
What Not To Say to Someone Who is Grieving
During times of grief, finding the words to comfort and show compassion can be difficult.
Here are a few statements that may cause more hurt than help.
- He’s in a better place.
- Don’t cry. It won’t bring them back.
- Are you going to move out of the house soon?
- Crying won’t bring them back.
- When do you think you will be over this?
Here are a few helpful statements for when trying to help someone grieving.
- I’m here for you.
- You are in my prayers.
- Would you like to share memories of your loved one?
- Thank you for letting me be here.
- I’m listening.
What to Remember in Times of Grieving
Everyone will experience grief at some time in their life. Whether grief comes from the loss of a person, pet, friendship, job, or something else, we can find hope through the grief.
My family experienced deep grief at the loss of daddy on Easter Sunday. Yet, even as we mourn our loss, we know he is with the Lord. We thank God for allowing us to be there with our father when he passed on to Heaven.
How do we handle grieving loved ones during Easter? We show the love of God with our words and actions.
Prayers for People Who Are Grieving
Praying is a powerful way to show His love. Here are some prayers for the many situations in which we grieve.
Prayer for the Grieving Family
Father, we lift up the family of our friend. They are grieving the loss of a loved one. Please cover them with Your love and mercy. Thank You. Amen.
Prayer for A Grieving Friend
Lord, please help me to know how to comfort my grieving friend. Give me the words to help ease their sadness. Amen.
Prayer for the Grieving to Have Peace
God, please bring peace to those who are grieving. You know their pain. Please cover them with Your hedge of protection. Amen.
Prayer for the Grieving Home
Abba Father, hearts are shattered, and weeping is heard throughout the home. Come into this place and cover each person with Your comfort and peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
A Prayer for Learning How to Grieve
Heavenly Father, help my friends to know how to grieve. Their loss is devastating. They need You. I lift them to You. In the name of Your Son, Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/max-kegfire
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers.
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
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