Going in Grace

Today we’re entering sacred ground—the topic of grief and loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even the fading of a role we once held—grief touches all of us. Yet in Western culture, we often don’t know how to grieve well. We rush past it. We bury it. We spiritualize it away. But grief is not weakness—it’s part of being human.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 4 (NKJV) says: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Grief has its place. It’s not a detour—it’s part of the journey. And as believers, we’re not called to avoid grief, but to walk through it with hope. In John 11, Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus. He knows He’s about to raise him from the dead. Yet verse 35 simply says: “Jesus wept.”

He didn’t rush past the pain. He didn’t blow past the hurt of Lazurus’ grieving sisters and community so He could save the day. He entered it. He felt it. He stood in solidarity with those mourning. If Jesus—the Son of God—gave Himself permission to grieve, so can we.

Grief isn’t faithlessness. It’s honesty. And it’s often the doorway to deeper healing. Loss isn’t just about death. It’s the end of anything meaningful—a job, a friendship, a season of life. And each type of loss deserves attention.

Psalm 34:18 (NKJV): “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” God doesn’t shame our sorrow. He draws near to it. But we must learn to grieve in a way that honors both our humanity and our hope. Grief is a skill—not just a feeling. Here are a few practical ways to walk it out:

• Name the loss. Don’t minimize it. Say it out loud. Write it down.
• Feel without drowning. Emotions are waves—let them come, but don’t let them pull you under.
• Invite God in. Don’t grieve alone. Psalm 147:3 (NKJV): “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
• Set boundaries with despair. There’s a difference between grieving and giving in to a spirit of heaviness. Isaiah 61:3 says God gives us:

“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” We can feel sorrow and still choose praise. That’s not denial—it’s defiance against despair.

Grieving people don’t need fixing—they need presence. Here’s how to love them well:
• Show up. People have a tendency to hide from grieving people, not wanting the yuck of sadness to get on them. Romans 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” God reminds us that loving well means getting in there, whether it’s a ditch or a mountain top with those around us.
• Listen more than you speak. Avoid clichés. Just be there. Silence is golden so don’t talk too much.
• Offer practical help. Meals, errands, quiet companionship. Do not ask a grieving person to tell you what you can do to help. It’s taking all their strength to navigate their grief, so don’t burden them. You know what it takes to run a household. Provide them with times you are available and what you are available to do. Be direct. Help them by taking the lead and removing stress where possible.
• Pray with and for them. Not just for healing, but for peace and strength.
• Don’t rush their process. Grief isn’t linear. It’s layered. There will be fits and starts throughout and there is no set time for when grieving is supposed to be over. Trust God to teach you what to do and how to do it.

Empathy is ministry. And sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is sit in silence and hold space. Even if you are naturally less emotional than those around you. Remember, moments of grief in the lives of those around you are not about you. Show up for your sphere of influence and choose to love others the way they need love.

You are allowed to grieve. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to not be okay. Psalm 42:11 (NKJV): “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”

Grief doesn’t mean God has left you. It means He’s walking with you through the valley. So be gentle with yourself. Speak life over your soul. And trust that joy will return. If you’re grieving today—don’t rush it. Don’t bury it. Don’t spiritualize it away. Invite God into it. Let Him hold you, heal you, and walk with you. And if someone you love is grieving—be present. Be patient. Be prayerful.

Grief is not the end of your story. It’s a chapter. And with God, even the darkest chapters can lead to light. Thanks for joining me. If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with someone who needs comfort today. And remember: you are seen, you are loved, and you are never alone.