Death is a part of our lives. Every one of us has been touched by the death of a friend, parent, child, or other person close to us. Sometimes we are not prepared to say good-bye no matter when that time comes. It is especially hard when it is someone who had a good deal to live for, yet, was taken from this world at a young age.

One of the things that touch our lives is grief. Every person handles grief in a different way. Elizabeth Kubler Ross has stated their are five stages one goes through: anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance (On Death And Dying). Sometimes one can get through one of the stages but has a hard time with another. What do you do when you lose a loved one?

While reading the scriptures this week I noticed what our Lord did on two occasions. At the death of Lazarus he wept. Can you just imagine the God of this world, the Creator of all the Universe, standing there crying for someone He loved? What an awesome God we serve!

On another occasion, the death of John the Baptist, the Bible tells us after learning of this Jesus withdrew to a lonely place by Himself. He got away from people and, I believe, He is grieving the loss of a godly man. (Matthew 14:13)

What do you do when you learn of the death of someone? Do you shed tears? Do you want to be around a lot of people or would you rather be alone with your thoughts?

Every person needs to grieve in their own way. They must deal with the hurt and at the same time there must come an acceptance that the one we love is gone. Jesus was able to raise Lazarus from the dead, but we cannot bring back the ones that have passed away.

We have experienced this in our extended family recently, and I have thought about the way people grieve. There is no right or wrong way, but do not be ashamed to let the tears flow. What a good release this is. Even Jesus cried (Jn. 11:35) If you’re grieving, I am sorry for your loss. Remember: God still loves you. He is here to comfort you and help you at this time.