The death of our lifelong partner can be like ripping our heart out without the advantage of Novocain. The empty house echoes with memories. It feels like any moment he or she will walk through the door. It is not unusual to be convinced we have just heard them call our name from the next room. The realization that that person will never hold us again, never kiss us again, never laugh with us, never share our secrets breaks our hearts.
Yet I have heard of individuals telling the grieving spouse they should not be sad. Are they kidding! Was Jesus less spiritual because he wept? Was he not connected with our heavenly Father because he pleaded with him with loud groans and tears in fear of going through the crucifixion? If Jesus, the Son of God, grieved, cannot we grieve also?
Scripture tells us that we are to comfort others with the same comfort we have received (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). That means we will all grieve. Jesus said it this way, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” (Mathew 5:4).
