"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.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which asleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
This is a hard one for us, I think, because we can't see past death, so it challenges our faith to believe beyond it. Plus, it's natural to be sad when we don't get to hang out with someone we love. A good reminder still, though. Death should never take away our hope... even when it is our own death that we are facing. Christ overcame death, and he'll bring us all back when the time is right.
I don't think that it is wrong to be sad. After all, Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus, even though he knew beyond doubt he would come back, because he was about to make it happen. I think it is just the connection with the loss of hope that is warned against here... and sometimes we do sorrow that way. As though nothing can ever be right again, or as though this one tragedy has ruined eternity. And I know that sometimes it can feel that way when we are overcome with emotion... but that is never true. We know that death isn't the end. We know that, with God, we will all be resurrected and have a chance to be reunited with our lost relatives and friends. Today, let's remember hope, even in the midst of sadness.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which asleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
This is a hard one for us, I think, because we can't see past death, so it challenges our faith to believe beyond it. Plus, it's natural to be sad when we don't get to hang out with someone we love. A good reminder still, though. Death should never take away our hope... even when it is our own death that we are facing. Christ overcame death, and he'll bring us all back when the time is right.
I don't think that it is wrong to be sad. After all, Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus, even though he knew beyond doubt he would come back, because he was about to make it happen. I think it is just the connection with the loss of hope that is warned against here... and sometimes we do sorrow that way. As though nothing can ever be right again, or as though this one tragedy has ruined eternity. And I know that sometimes it can feel that way when we are overcome with emotion... but that is never true. We know that death isn't the end. We know that, with God, we will all be resurrected and have a chance to be reunited with our lost relatives and friends. Today, let's remember hope, even in the midst of sadness.
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