We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thess. 4:13)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13
The first time I attended a celebration of life service, I was somewhat amazed. It was a funeral, but with a joyful spin to it. It was by far the most joyful funeral I had ever attended. While people were grieving, they were looking to God and thanking him for the good times they had, rejoicing in the fact they would all be together again someday. It was new to me, but it made sense. The joy of the Lord is our strength, not only in good times, but during difficult times too.
Faith in God is supposed to impact every aspect of life, including the rough parts. Christians who truly put their trust in God find real hope in him. There is no need to grieve like everyone else who does not have this hope! Difficult times are often still difficult. After all, even Jesus wept when Lazarus died, and he knew better than anyone else that he was going to call Lazarus out of the tomb later that day.
Everyone will experience pain, but it is important to remember that Christ’s followers do not go through it alone. We are not like the rest of the world. We find real hope in the one true God. There is a time to mourn, but a time to celebrate is also coming.
Remember that unlike the world, we have real hope with God.
Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
