How Does Faith in God Affect Our Emotions?Sample

Grief

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 ESV)

Losing people we love is painful. They leave an empty space in our lives and we miss them. The realization that they will never return pierces our hearts. Moreover, it is confronting to face death. When you watch someone die, all the big questions of life rise to the surface. Why does God allow this? Where is my loved one now? What happens to him or her after death? And what will happen to me when I die?

All these questions and emotions are understandable. Sadness and grief are valid responses to our loss. But Paul shares important teaching that can protect us from hopelessness and despair. If our loved ones believed in the Lord God, we can trust that their future with Him is secure. Jesus promises: “Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26 ESV) That gives us and our loved ones solid hope.

Have you lost someone you loved dearly? What emotions do you experience when you remember them? What role does your faith play in this?