Grief is messy

I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. — 1 Thessalonians 4:13

On November 14, 1970, a plane crash took the lives of most of the Marshall University football team, the coaching staff, and many community leaders of Huntington, West Virginia. Seventy-five lives were lost in the crash, which devastated the university and the community. Two of the people who lost loved ones were Paul Griffen and Annie Cantrell. Their stories intertwined because Griffen’s son, Chris, was Annie’s fiancé. When Chris died, their lives were plunged into a year of pain that seemed unbearable. Why? Because, as Paul told Annie in the film portraying this tragedy, “Grief is messy.”

He was right, grief is messy. All of us grieve at one time or another — including those of us who are Christ-followers. For the believer, however, there is something beyond the tears, pain, and loss. There is hope.

Writing to a church family who had seen loved ones taken in death, Paul acknowledged the reality of grief. But he challenged them not to “sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). Loss and death are part of life, but believers can face them, knowing that Christians never say goodbye for the last time. We can comfort one another (v. 18) with the hope of the resurrection and a future reunion. — Bill Crowder

The Lord has promised to prepare

A place in heaven above —

A home where we will always be

With Him and those we love. — Sper

READ: 1 Thess. 4:13-18

Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph.

The Bible in one year:

• Hosea 9-11

• Revelation 3