#2 On The Topic of Grief

Grieving The Loss Of A loved one without Christ Matthew Chapters 24,25, For me as a believer in Christ, the death of an unsaved loved one is tragic and I find that I grieve more and a lot longer. In the past it was much more difficult to process than it is today. When I realize that they have had every opportunity and chance to make a choice to follow Christ as I did. But in some cases, it seems we will never find comfort or peace of mind when the individuals are family and we are not sure where they are in their faith. And we know the destiny awaiting them if they have not truely been born again. I know that when a saved loved one dies, we miss him or her, and there is a large hole left on earth in the space they were filling in my life but I have not grieved for them as much as I did for those I considered, were not living a life according to the will and commandments of God. The bible says we will not grieve “as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13), because we know we will be reunited in heaven one day. But when loved ones die without Christ, we know we will not see them again, and finding comfort in that situation may seem hopeless. When as a believer has taken the time and effort to do all that they can to see that people you know, have been taught and you know they understand what is taught in the bible and they know the truth, then when they die, without repentance the feeling of pain in much more intence and we tend to ask WHY? As a follower of Chrrist, I do not understand how anyone can refuse such a wonderful gift of love, as a precious gift of salvation. My joy in the Lord moves me to want that same joy for those I have monistered to and love. Especially family, when family seem to be walking away from God and going their own way, it hurts deep down into ones being, as you feel their pain and yet can do nothing about it. I have come to realize, every person is thier own character and their own person who has the same free will as everyone else. And the truth is that, even though the invitation to eternal life is the same for everyone, not all will receive the gift. But we can and I do, take comfort that, even though we may never see our unsaved loved ones again, God is always faithful and just. God gave them the opportunity to turn to Him. God is so patient, and He is still at this point leaving the door to heaven open. But how long until His patience runs out, I do not know. But He says when He comes again, it will be judgement day for all of the works we have done. (Read in 1 Corinthians 3) (Genesis 18:25) says “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”. The answer to that question is a resounding, YES, God will do what is right, this is comfort I can rest in when I am unsure of the destination of a loved one’s soul. God is a just God and will judge in righteousness. He is full of grace and truth, mercy and love, to all who call upon Him. It is this fact of justice that offers a way a way to escape the fires of Hell. In that justice we must rest. Friends it is in God's grace we are born again, it is in that same grace that we stand when we go through a loss, and grieve the death of an unsaved loved one. I have yearned over the years for family who are unsaved or living in a state of sin, to choose Christ, and to come into a personal relationship with Christ. At the same time realizing that some will not make that choice. Those who have passed into eternity without Christ have made their choice, but it was God’s grace that gave them a choice to begin with. God sends no one to HELL! But that all said, the pain is oh so real in the remembrance of that loved one. But I know that one day, Jesus will wipe away all of my tears, when I reach heaven, and walk into the eternal care of my Saviour in heaven. I will be with my Lord, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). For me, I cannot imagine, living without grief and or sorrow, but the bible says it will be so, so in faith I look forward to that day of rest from all of the cares of this world. Believing in that promise brings comfort and encouragement. When we see Jesus face to face, all of the sorrow we have now will be gone. “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22). I for one, look forward to the day Christ returns when sorrow will be no more, and I can lay in the arms of Jesus forever more. He will take my pain and will comfort me with His great love and mercy. Some days now, I cry out and yern for that day. Because the pain caused by the careless and hurtful lives of other seems almost to much to bare But Jesus says there is nothing that we will face, that He cannot handle. So I place my trust and love in HIM. Grieving a loved one who died without a clear confession of faith is really real and very painful. But, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 encourages believers not to grieve "as those who have no hope", it does not forbid sorrow, but encourages trusting in God’s justice and sovereignty. In closing, here are some scriptures for you all to read: - Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit". - 1 Thessalonians 4:13: Encourages believers not to grieve with the same "bitter despair" as those without hope. - Revelation 14:13: Mentions the blessing of resting from labors. As a believer, I want to encourage you to be a support for your friends, who need someone to weep with them, without needing to have answers for the person's eternal destination, but pray for them and thier salvation is between them and God, just share God's goodness with them and pray and support them in their loss. Lord, Jesus, O pray for the lost. Also I pray for your comfort and grace in the face of loss and death. I thankj you that one day, you will wipe it all away, and we will come into the place of comfort and eternal rest for =ever more.. Thak you, in Jesus name I pray Amen..