5797 bereavement, God’s comfort in

God cares for the bereaved, and can turn their mourning into joy and hope.

God comforts the bereaved and the sorrowful

La 3:32-33; 2Co 1:3-4 See also Ps 116:8; Mt 5:4; Rev 7:17

Mourning turned into joy Ps 30:11 See also Isa 61:1-3; Jer 31:13; Jn 16:20

Despair turned into hope 1Th 4:13-14 “Falling asleep” was a euphemistic way of talking about dying.

Fear turned into assurance Ps 23:4; Isa 25:8-9 In the OT, death was generally feared because it meant the loss of meaningful existence. However, like several references, this one looks beyond the grave and anticipates NT hope for all who trust in God; Ro 8:38-39 Paul’s conclusion after working through the implications of the gospel. See also Jn 11:25-26; 1Co 15:55-57; 2Co 5:6-8; Php 1:21-24; Rev 21:4

God’s care for widows and orphans

Dt 10:18; Ps 10:14 See also Ps 68:5; Ps 146:9; Jer 49:11; Hos 14:3

Jesus Christ cared for the bereaved

Lk 7:11-13; Jn 11:33 At the grave of his friend, Lazarus. See also Lk 8:49-56

Caring for the bereaved

Dt 24:19 Special provisions in the law for the bereaved; Ro 12:15 See also Dt 26:12; Jer 22:3; Ac 6:1-3 The early church provided for widows in the fellowship with a special fund; 1Ti 5:3; Jas 1:27

See also