We don’t grieve as those without hope
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13 NIV)
The longer you live, the more people you will have waiting for you in Heaven. So far, as I write this, I have lost parents, most aunts and uncles, some siblings and many dear friends. Losing someone through death is inevitable for everybody because death is ahead for all people. There are no exceptions.
We aren’t without hope
The good news is that we as born again believers don’t have to grieve the same way others do because we have a sure hope because of what Jesus has done for us.
Remember what Jesus said
“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22 ESV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1 ESV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Therefore…
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom. 15:13 ESV)
“… the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom. 8:18 ESV)
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39 ESV)