Walking Together Through Grief

Grief is a universal human experience. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a way of life, grief touches us all. In the life of the church, we are often called to walk with one another through seasons of sorrow, offering comfort, presence, and hope. As Christians, our understanding of grief is shaped by both the humanity of Jesus and the promise of resurrection. In the Uniting Church tradition, where community and compassion are central, we are especially called to embody Christ’s love as we accompany one another through the valley of loss.

At its core, grief is a natural response to loss. It may come with waves of sadness, anger, confusion, numbness, or even moments of peace and relief. Everyone grieves differently, and there is no “right” way and there is no correct timeline. One of the most powerful images in Scripture comes from John 11, where Jesus weeps at the death of his friend Lazarus. Even knowing he would soon raise Lazarus, Jesus still enters fully into the sorrow of the moment, grieving with those around him who had lost there brother and friend. This reminds us that grief is not a weakness to be overcome, but a sacred space where God meets us, and walks alongside us.

Supporting one another through grief is grounded simply with being present. The truth is there are no words that can take away someone’s pain—but being present, listening without judgment, and acknowledging their loss can be deeply healing. In Romans 12:15 Paul encourages us to “mourn with those who mourn.” It is important we do this, not by offering quick fixes or spiritual clichés, but by creating a safe space for people to express their feelings honestly.

Prayer is another essential way in which we support one another. We don’t need perfect words; even sitting in silent prayer, shared in someone’s presence, can remind them they are not alone, and provide comfort and peace. As a church community, we can also mark grief together through rituals and symbolic acts such as lighting candles, offering prayers of lament, and naming those we have lost. These shared acts of community in grief can help us to feel held within the body of Christ.

As strange as it may sound, grief also invites us to rediscover hope—not by denying the pain and the struggle of loss, but by trusting that it does not have the final word. Our Christian faith tells the story of a God who brings life out of death, light out of darkness. The resurrection of Jesus does not erase the brokenness and loss of Good Friday; rather it transforms it. In the same way, our grief does not disappear, but it can become part of a larger story of healing and renewal. We see in the Psalms the very human struggle to balance both lament and hope, reminding us that it is possible to be sorrowful and still trust in God’s unfailing love.

In the Uniting Church, we affirm that ministry belongs to the whole people of God. Each and every one of us has a role in caring for the grieving. It might be delivering a meal, sending a card, offering a ride to an appointment, or simply sitting together in silence. These small acts of kindness, community and compassion are how we reflect the love of Christ and remind the grieving that they are not forgotten.

In walking together through grief, we fulfil the commandment of Christ: to love one another as he has loved us. So let us be a community where grief is honoured, compassion flows freely, and love and hope are gently kindled, even in the face of loss.

Walking Together Through Grief