Christian Grief and Scripture
Below are some verses from Scripture that illustrate the redemptive nature of Christian grief and suffering when put in union with Christ. Christ through his death brought life to the world, and through his death resurrected. The theme within Christianity values suffering because it can bring forth good and eventual spiritual and physical resurrection.
1 Peter. (4:12, 13) Dearly beloved think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you; But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy
Again in Scripture we confirm this:
Rom. (8: 16-18) For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also: heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him. For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us.
The key phrase in this refers to that as we suffer with Christ, we shall also be glorified with Christ.
Again, Peter points this out
1 Peter (2:19-21) For this is thankworthy, if for conscience towards God, a man endure sorrows, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if committing sin and being buffeted for it, you endure? But if doing well you suffer patiently: this is thankworthy before God. For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps.
The Book of Timothy also points this out
2 Tim. (2:11-12) A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.
In addition, Scripture asks us to accept our crosses not only willingly but with joy
Col.( 1:24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church
As we are called to accept suffering, we are also called to suffer with and for Christ
as seen below
Philipp.( 1:20) For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him
Gal. (2:19) With Christ I am nailed to the cross
In conclusion, Christian Counselors should emphasize that one should accept the crosses of this world and unify their sufferings with Christ who as the ultimate example, showed one how to magnanimously accept one’s crosses.
If you are interested in Christian Grief Certification, please review the program in Christian Grief Certification
If you are interested in Christian Grief Certification, please review the program in Christian Grief Certification