Honoring Grief
Jesus knows what it is like to grieve. He was fully human, and grief is an unavoidable part of the human experience.
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” – John 11:33-36, NRSV-CE
Jesus knows what it is like to grieve. He was fully human, and grief is an unavoidable part of the human experience. In the story of the rising of Lazarus, Jesus encountered the sister of Lazarus, Mary. In their conversation, Mary was greatly distraught after the passing of her brother. And we learn that Jesus was capable of great emotion, as he wept for the passing of Lazarus and for the grief that Mary (and others who knew Lazarus) was experiencing (Jn 11:35).
This story in the Bible reminds us that Jesus cares deeply for us. He knows what trials you are facing, your sorrows, your joys, and your dreams. Jesus grieved during his human life, and he knows what grief you are facing as well.
Grief is a part of life, yes. But, grief is unique to each person. No two people grieve the same. It is important we do not generalize grief, but rather honor each person’s unique journey. Jesus honored Mary in her grief on the loss of her brother. Jesus gives us an example of not always having to say the perfect thing. Jesus did not say much to Mary, he simply wept with her.
We don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t have to fix others’ grief or our own. Sometimes, as Jesus did, we must simply honor one another’s grief, acknowledge that it exists, and give it the space it needs.
In Christ,