Losing a Loved One
You’re devastated. Maybe angry. And trying to make sense of it all. Why did this have to happen? Why now? What will life be like without the person you lost?
It would be great if there was an easy explanation that would cover all situations and answer all questions. Unfortunately, we don’t always understand why things happen to us that seem so senseless or evil. The Bible talks about “the mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV), suggesting there is a mystery to some of the things we experience, even when a loved one passes away.
The loss of a child, parent or friend is very painful. God allows us to have a grieving process so we can cope with the pain. He knows your anguish, grief and anger.
You hurt deeply, but be assured that God knows exactly how you feel. How do we know this? We know it because God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, also died. He suffered and died on a cross so you could be at peace with God. He understands your heartache and wants to surround you with His love if you will let Him.
For those who trust in Jesus, the sadness of losing a loved one is only temporary. Not only did He make a way for us to experience indescribable joy in heaven, but He promises to help us through our grief on earth. In Matthew 5:4, He says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Would you like to experience the real, lasting hope found in Christ?
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray to receive Jesus Christ and begin a relationship with him?
