Ministering to the Bereaved: Mourn with Those Who Mourn

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Ministering to the Bereaved: Mourn with Those Who Mourn

Handling Loss and Grief

Living Free Every Day®

Today's Scripture
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15 NIV

Thoughts for Today
God's Word tells us to mourn with those who mourn.

Perhaps you sense God calling you to minister to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one by death. But how? So often we feel helpless and just don't know what to say. We might even avoid contact with the bereaved person because we are afraid we might say or do the wrong thing. This week we will look at just a few of the many teachings from God's Word about tangible things we can do to prepare ourselves to be God's hand extended to people in grief.

Before entering this area of ministry, we must recognize that authenticity is essential. We dare not play charades or project false images or unrealistic hopes to the newly bereaved person. We should do some reading, perhaps talk to a pastor, about the phases involved in the process of grieving—not to put the grieving person into a mold, but to better understand some of the stages that most people experience.

Consider this …
It is important to remember that ministering to a bereaved person involves listening more than helping. We cannot tell them what to do … We cannot fix their problem. But we can be with them. Our presence is more important than words. God calls us to come alongside … and mourn with them.

Prayer
Father, teach me to help those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. My tendency is to try and "fix" the problem when someone is hurting. Help me remember that I can't fix the problem … I can't speak the right words that will make everything better … but I can be there. I can listen. I can pray. I can mourn with them. May the love and compassion of Jesus flow through me. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from …

Handling Loss and Grief: How to Face Losses in Life and Grieve Christianly by Raymond T. Brock, Ed.D. As a person goes through this group they will be able to identify what the Bible has to say about handling the losses of life. To grieve is human; how to grieve Christianly is supernatural. It requires us to invite the Holy Spirit to guide us through the grieving process. This study also provides guidance in the use of Scripture to help the grieving. It offers biblical coping methods for facing loss and comfort to those who have faced loss.

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