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] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
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 gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, '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 accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
