"Weep With Those Who Weep" - KEEP PROVIDING COMFORT

It is not possible to know exactly how long it will take for each person to grieve.  When a loved one dies, at first many friends and relatives are there to provide comfort.  But after they return to their normal way of life, those who are grieving still need comfort.  So be ready to help.  "A true friend shows love at all times, and is a brother who is born for times of distress." (Proverbs 17:17)  We need to comfort grieving ones for as long as they need us. -Read 1 Thessalonians 3:7. 

Remember that a person may suddenly be overwhelmed by grief at any time. This could be because of anniversaries, certain music, photographs, activities, or even a smell or a sound, or season of the year.  When a grieving widow or widower does something alone for the first time, such as attending an assembly or the Memorial, it can be very painful. "I expected my first wedding anniversary to be very traumatic," relates one brother, "and it was not easy. But a few brothers and sisters planned a small gathering of my closest friends so that I wouldn't be on my own." 

Remember that those who are grieving need encouragement not just on special occasions.  "Often the help  and companionship offered when there is no special anniversary can be very beneficial," explains Junia.  "Those spontaneous  moments are so valuable and bring much comfort."  True , we cannot take away all their grief or loneliness, but we can comfort those who grieve by doing things for them.  (1 John 3:18)  Gaby says:  "I am truly grateful to Jehovah for the loving elders who walked me through every difficult step of the way.  They have truly made me feel Jehovah's loving arms around me."  

It is comforting to know that Jehovah, the God of all comfort, will completely remove all grief at the time of the resurrection.  (John 5:28, 29)  God promises that "he will do away with death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces."  (Isaiah 25:8)  Then, instead of having to "weep withe those who weep," everyone on earth will "rejoice with those who rejoice." -Romans 12:15.   

* Empathy:  The ability to feel someone else's pain as if it were our own.  We try to understand how the person feels.  When we have empathy for our brothers and sisters, we listen to him/her, we are patient with them, and we give them the help  that they need. 

Soothing Words of Comfort

* "We don't know what to say except that we love you. We can't understand exactly how you feel, but Jehovah does and will keep raising you up.  We hope that our prayers will help a little."

* "May Jehovah sustain you at this time of such great loss."

* "May you find comfort in knowing that your dear one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about him/her and bring them back again."

*" Your loved one will never have to face the last enemy, death, ever again.  In the meantime, his acts of faith live on until he stands up alive and whole in the Paradise."

* "While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our heavenly Father return your dear one to you." 

Next time: Ruth and Naomi - "Where You Go I Shall Go"  -Where You Go I Shall Go

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