I will admit…I haven’t experienced a lot of grief in my life.
So, when it comes, it is like meeting a stranger or having an awkward encounter with a long-lost acquaintance. A mixture of emotions follows the unfamiliar.
Sadness.
Confusion.
Comfort in reuniting with those you love.
Intense grief of losing someone you love.
Peace and joy in knowing that eternity awaits.
Impatient longing for what is it come.
This myriad of emotions overwhelms the soul as we are encouraged to rejoice in eternity while fresh sorrow cuts deep like a knife.
My family and I experienced this grief just last week as my precious granddaddy took his final breath. I was able to be present, with my aunts and uncles, for the difficult days leading up to his death, and might I respectfully say that this time was intriguing as I observed the various ways of coping, grieving, and releasing emotion. During this time, one verse kept knocking on the door of my heart and mind –
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
[Side Thought: Several translations use the phrasing, “For I reckon…”, which always reminded me of a southern grandpa sitting in a rocking chair on his front porch. As a soft smile lights up his eyes, he breaths out a sigh and says with a true southern drawl, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time ain’t worth comparin’ with the glory t’ come.”]
Although we all grieved in our respective ways, each one of us knew this verse to be true. Suffering is real and is often coupled with deep-felt pain. BUT suffering is also temporary. While this truth does not diminish the reality or the pain of suffering, it brings a presence of joy and peace that doesn’t quite make sense (Phil. 4:7). Feelings of joy, peace, and hope are sprinkled in moments of intense loss. It’s a mixture that is not found in many other scenarios in life. As Christians, we have truths available to us that provide hope, contentment, and peace in times of grief.
In meditating on Romans 8:18, I was encouraged by two truths:
1. Suffering is real and an intrinsic part of life.
The reality and inevitability of suffering creates a unique bond with others - a community built on shared experiences and hardships. It is easy to feel alone in times of grief, but we have all experienced some form of grief and suffering. Because of this truth, we can/should look for ways to be present for and encourage one another in tough times (Rom. 12:15). Suffering is real and is experienced by all.
Oddly enough, the Bible clearly states that, as Christians, we will suffer both for doing right and for doing wrong. Let’s briefly examine this paradox:
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” – 2 Timothy 3:12
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” – Hebrews 12:6
In other words, live a godly life and count yourself blessed to join in His sufferings (1 Peter 2:19-21, Matt. 5:10-12). To our minds (ones who seek after comfort and pleasure), this doesn’t quite add up, but we are told to count it all joy when we experience hardships because God is working in us through our trials (James 1:2-4). Suffering is real and an intrinsic part of life, but we are also assured that it will not last forever.
2. Suffering is temporary and cannot be compared to what awaits us in eternity.
Let’s look at Romans 8:18 again,
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”
It is not even worth the time or energy to try comparing our present grief and suffering with the glory that will be revealed to us in heaven. This future reality is difficult to wrap our minds around as we have not heard from those who have been there nor can we physically see heaven from here below. But this is where faith steps in.
I love how Paul puts it in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 –
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
As Paul so wonderfully penned it…Don’t be discouraged! Yes, suffering/grief is real and hard, but in light of eternity, this will only last for a moment. Suffering, grief, and trials are avenues of preparing us for the glory of heaven. Although we cannot see, feel, or touch the eternal, we have been given a blessed assurance of the glory to come!
While I am grieving the loss of my granddaddy, I can simultaneously rejoice in the hope of heaven ❤️
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