Signal Fire - 1 Thessaloniansნიმუში

Paul says, “we do not want you to be uninformed… so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” That doesn’t mean we don’t grieve—it just means our grief looks different. Losing someone still hurts. Tears still fall. But underneath it all, we carry something the world can’t give: hope. Not a flimsy, cross-your-fingers kind of hope, but a hope rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Because He defeated death, the story doesn’t end in loss—it ends in life.

Paul also uses the phrase “we believe.” Our hope isn’t built on feelings that come and go—it’s built on what we believe to be true: “Jesus died and rose again.” That one truth flips everything upside down. When death feels too final, when the ache feels too heavy, when doubt creeps in—we go back to belief. The grave doesn’t have the last word. Just like Jesus was raised, so will everyone who belongs to Him. Our faith doesn’t take away grief, but it transforms it—it gives us hope right in the middle of the ache.

Where are you feeling the weight of grief, fear, or uncertainty? Write it down. Then, right next to it, write these words: “Jesus died and rose again.” Let that truth steady you this week—because no matter what you’re walking through, your hope in Him cannot be shaken.

1. Paul says we don’t “grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” How have you experienced the difference between grieving with hope versus grieving without it?
2. What does it mean to you that our hope is anchored in the fact that “Jesus died and rose again”?
3. When doubt or sorrow creeps in, how can you remind yourself to return to belief rather than emotions?
4. Who in your life might need to be reminded that the grave is not the end, and how could you encourage them this week?