pLosing someone, or something. Maybe it’s a relationship that’s ended. Or a friendship you had to cut off. Loss makes us feel awkward and vulnerable, and like we don’t know what we’re doing. Too many times we try to brush it off, smile, and go on. If we’re honest, sometimes it’s because we don’t want to hear those all too familiar (annoying) comments: everything happens for a reason, God has a plan, you’ll learn from it.br /
Those things might be true, but they don’t feel comforting in the moment. When Lazarus died, even Jesus took it hard. But hang on - that really shouldn’t surprise us. Jesus isn’t an untouchably emotionless God. And when He was on earth, He was just as open to loss as we are. ‘When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”’ (vv. 33-36). Jesus cared about Lazarus and his sisters. He didn’t tell them Lazarus was in a better place. He sympathised with them and cried with them. Whatever kind of loss you’re facing, Jesus’ example gives you the go ahead to feel the emotions you might be bottling up. It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to cry. /p
pWhat now?br /
Whether you’re currently feeling loss or have in the past, remember that God sympathises with you. Don’t be ashamed to cry. If you know someone who is grieving, give them a hug, a coffee, or an ear./p