When someone we love dies, our hearts break and grief weighs us down. Words from others can seem empty, and the sadness can feel overwhelming. How comforting to know that God understands our grief! He does not ignore our pain or tell us to pretend everything is fine when we suffer a loss.

The Bible promises that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He comes near to those who are crushed by sorrow. He listens to our cries and holds us up when we feel weak.

God’s comfort is not just kind words.

It is found in what he has done for us through Jesus. Jesus himself knew sorrow and loss. He wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus. He carried our griefs and pains all the way to the cross.

Because Jesus died and rose again, death does not have the final word. Even in our sadness, we have the sure hope that those who die trusting in Christ are safe with the Lord, and that one day we will be reunited in the resurrection.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

Keep the Conversation Going

Questions for the Whole Family:

• What feelings do we experience when someone we love dies?
• Why is it comforting to know that God is close to us in our grief?
• How does Jesus’ resurrection give us hope even while we mourn?