I often think about the Lord's compassion upon the crowds, struggling without a shepherd to lead them. Or weeping over Jerusalem having thrown away her King, His servants the prophets, His Word, and preparing to kill her promised Messiah. Or weeping at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, even though He knew the end from the beginning and the marvelous resurrection He would perform.
Grief is divine and good. We are given the opportunity to remember the Lord's kindness and mercy and blessings. Grief leads us to thank Him, to put love into action, and to forgive others, or ourselves, regardless of whether the wrongs are actual or imaginary. Grief activates the body of Christ. "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Romans 12:15
We are given the opportunity to comfort those who are distressed with the same comforts that the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) has gifted us. My family experienced every grief, and still do, but we also experienced the consolation of the Lord and the comforting empathy of His people.
Grief is good, even necessary. Don't deprive yourself of it, but don't remain in it indefinitely either.
January 23, 2018
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