What the Bible Says About Loss
In its enormity, loss can make us feel alone. However, the Bible is not silent about grief. In fact, it’s full of examples of God’s people searching for comfort and being met with God’s grace. We pray these verses about loss can be a reminder of God’s presence in your life, even and especially in difficult seasons.
3 truths to hold onto
A few threads stand out among the many places the Bible discusses grief and loss:
- God cares for the brokenhearted.
- We are not alone in our grief.
- Death does not have the final word.
God cares for the brokenhearted
The Bible makes clear that God loves his creation and takes the condition of our hearts seriously. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus underscores this when he says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” (Matthew 5:3-4). As we learn new depths of heartbreak and struggle, God invites us to experience new depths of his comfort and grace.
We are not alone in our grief
Grief can be an isolating experience, but the Bible assures us that God will never abandon us. In Romans 8:38-39, Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Death does not have the final word
Before his arrest, Jesus warned his disciples about the coming trials, among them, Jesus’ death. He’s careful, however, to include an assurance alongside his warning (John 16:22), “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” Our loss and grief are real, but so is the coming joy.
Verses about grieving
- Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Isaiah 42:3 – A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice
- Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
- Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
- Philippians 1:6 – being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
- Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
- Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
- Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
- Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners
- Lamentations 3:31-33 – For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him
- 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
- John 11:25-26 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
- Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
- John 16:33 – I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world
More resources on grief and loss
The Bible holds a wealth of wisdom on dealing with loss. One mercy God has for us during difficult seasons is the support of fellow believers. Paul instructs the church to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn,” (Romans 12:15). In fact, during hard times, it’s even more important to stay connected with those who can help us through.
We encourage you to find your support, wherever that may be: family, friends, church, or a small group. The Redeemed’s small groups were founded to be one such place, a weekly time to find support and seek God together. You’ll also find stories of redemption and persistence through tragedy over on The Redeemed Man podcast.
Connect with The Redeemed Community
If you’re inspired to explore the transformative power of spiritual freedom and would like to journey alongside like-minded believers, consider joining one of The Redeemed’s small groups. Whether you prefer meeting in person or connecting online, our community is here to support and grow with you.
Join us and discover how surrendering together can lead us into greater freedom.
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