MANAGING GRIEF

". . . That you may not grieve as others do who have no hope" (I Thessalonians 4:13b).

I'm convinced that no one ever really conquers grief; one can only learn to manage it. Managing grief is not a neat six-step process which one works through, but managing emotions which return from time to time, sometimes when they are least expected, to bring tears, and other manifestations of anger, anxiety and gloom. Even in the years following a loss, after apparent stability has been reached, some random experience will trigger a grief experience.

The foundation of grief management is faith. To me legitimate faith is what makes grief survivable. I know that there are other "faiths" that promise life after death, but why should they be believed? Just because some religious leader promises life after death, why should he be believed? To believe someone like that is merely wishful thinking. It is credulity and nothing more. The faith in Christ is different. There was a moment in history when one man conquered death in resurrection, never to die again! The historical evidence points to the truth of this event! The meaning of Christ's resurrection is that death is not the end for those in Christ! It means that relationships on earth are not ended, only interrupted, in Christ! Those outside of Christ do not have this hope.

"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep" (I Thessalonians 4:14).

Grace & Peace;
Tom