It is the lot of man to grieve over the loss of loved ones. For the Christian, the hope we have in Jesus carries us through any such time of sorrow or pain (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
 

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:1-3).

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known"
(1 Corinthians 13:12).

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).

"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).
 

Seek the Lord in silent prayer and praise. He is always near you--only a prayer away.

May the comfort and hope, peace and assurance of God's love and concern be yours in your grief.

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Saviour, please receive this Word to you, knowing that it is given in love. It is for us who are now alive to prepare ourselves to meet God. God's Word to you, if you are not already prepared, is one of assurance that you can be. The one who is now dead has already made whatever preparation he or she could make. If you are not sure that you have done so, follow this simple plan of salvation: 

Call on the Lord to forgive you and save you from your sins. Give yourself to Him with the simple faith that He will come into your life as you do. Receive Him as both your Saviour and Lord of your life. He will forgive you, cleanse you and cause you to be known as a child of God (John 1:12; Romans 10:10,13;
1 John 1:8,9).

If your deceased loved one was a child, you should know the story of Jeroboam's son who became sick. God said He was taking the child because He saw a good thing in the child (1 Kings 14:1,13).

Also David's experience of losing a son is a word for you. His hope was in God and he prayed that the child would live. The child died, but David knew he must go on with the business of living. He would one day go to the child, but the child would not return to him (2 Samuel 12:22,23).

There is hope in the stories of Jeroboam's and David's sons because they show that often God sees into the future and may allow a child to die in order to spare some later tragedy. These passages indicate that God may take a child (or Christian adult) to be with Him in heaven. You can prepare yourself to be with your loved one who has already gone to be with the Lord. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

In the Bible (Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5), Jesus promises comfort for everyone who mourns. It is one of the missions of the Holy Spirit to give peace to your heart (Galatians 5:22). You are assured of perfect peace as you turn your heart toward God and trust Him (Isaiah 26:3). Let your mind dwell on the Lord by offering thanksgiving and praise to Him, especially during this time of grief. He works it for good to those who love Him and are called by Him (Romans 8:28). 

Your pastor is there to pray with you and to share God's Word with you during this time of need. If you do not have a church, please call the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you, for prayer and referral to a church.
 

Pray and thank God for His peace and assurance to you. Allow His love and grace to fill your heart during these hours. May God's peace, comfort and blessings be yours as you pray.
 

Other helpful information is available upon request or via these links: SALVATION, HOPE and FAITH.

You may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you or write to:

The Crossroads Centre
P.O. Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 4M2

Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily "100 Huntley Street" telecast and the 24-hour-a-day telephone ministry lines are there for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this.

God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more.