In This TogetherSample

Together in Grief 

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. —2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

Like an Old West standoff, Andrea and Jessie sat across from each waiting to see who would be the first to bring up the uncomfortable subject that needed to be discussed. 

Jessie had been going through a season of deep grief and had begun to withdraw emotionally from her friends, including Andrea. But Andrea wasn’t about to give up. 

In a simple, profound moment, she said firmly: “Jess, we’re here for you. We’re not going anywhere.” Although her sorrow didn’t go away in that moment, as the truth of Andrea’s words sunk in, Jessie could feel herself breathe again.

Years later, the friends sat in a doctor’s office, listening as the doctor explained treatment steps for Andrea’s breast cancer. Andrea’s world had turned upside down and it was now Jessie’s turn to remind her she didn’t have to face that alone. 

Grief and sorrow come in many forms and unexpected moments. Jesus understood this. 

Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be a “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isa. 53:3, NLT). In the New Testament, Jesus wept for His friends (Jn. 11:33) and poured His anguish before God (Lk. 22:44). 

Jesus knows what it feels like to grieve and comfort others; He has called us to do the same.  

Practically, caring for people in grief sometimes looks like having coffee and long conversations. Sometimes it means being with a friend facing hard news at the doctor, or sitting quietly—or weeping—with someone mourning the loss of a loved one. 

To be together in grief doesn’t mean we need to alleviate pain—it means we walk with the other person, distributing the weight of the burden and bringing them to the presence of Jesus, our comforter. 

Points to Ponder:

• Think about the last time you went through a difficulty. Who helped you walk through that season?


• How does it feel to know that Jesus was described as “a man of sorrows”?


• How can you be “together” with someone in your life this week who is grieving?