New Testament: 1Th 4.13

To read the Bible in a year, read First Thessalonians 4 on October 16, In the year of our Lord 2020

By Don Ruhl

Sometimes well-intentioned people will say that we should not mourn when a Christian dies, but that we should rejoice because they are then in God’s presence. If we mourn as though we will never see them again, then we have forgotten the promise of the resurrection. This is what Paul addressed to the Thessalonian church:

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

– 1 Thessalonians 4.13

Do not mourn as though you have no hope of seeing them again, for as Paul went on to say, we shall join them when Jesus returns.

Also, the early church mourned the death of Stephen and the Bible approves of their lamentation (Acts 8.2).

Questions:

• Have you ever felt guilty for crying at the funeral of a dead Christian?
• Do you think it is wrong to cry for a Christian who has passed away?

To subscribe go to EmailDevotionals.com and click “Follow”