This week we have been exploring how you and I can handle grief. All of us have to face our grief and for some of us, it can be very debilitating. We have seen however, that grief is normal; there is nothing un-Christian about grieving a loss. We must accept our grief and engage it if we are ever going to get past it. We also saw that we cannot continue to live in the past; at some point, we must decide to face the future that God has given us with hope and move forward. Today, let’s continue our study by considering three practical ways in which we can face that future:

From Gal. 6:2 – Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.

From Rom. 12:15 – Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.

From 2 Cor. 1:3-4 – Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.

One of the most biblical ways to move forward after a significant loss is, perhaps counterintuitively, to look for ways in which we can help others in their own grief. Remember, they may be hurting as much as—or maybe even more—than we are. Immediately following a loss, usually there are plenty of friends or family who are calling on the phone or stopping by, asking how they can help. But, it’s not long before we’re left to ourselves to deal with our thoughts, our loneliness, and not having someone close by to support us. By staying in touch with someone who has lost a loved one, and by looking for ways to be helpful, you can lessen your own grief. They may need someone to talk to, or help with shopping or a ride to the store. If they’re open to it, invite them out to lunch or include them in something you’re doing. Tell them you care and stay in touch. Paul said, “bear one another’s burdens” so look for practical ways to do it. If God helped you through the company of another person, Scripture says you have something to share: “we are able to help others…using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.” How encouraging! Your grief has equipped you to help others! You don’t have to waste your sorrows...and that is very Good News!