Processing Grief—by Raj and Angie Chandra

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. 

We live in a hurting and sinful world. We grief the loss of loved ones/jobs/finances/injustices. The opposite is callousness (when we don't connect with others on an emotional level).

Grief is complex and best done together.

We experience complex & compounding grief.

Meaning-making and Sense-making of death. Acceptance of death (e.g. murder/ suicide/ illness etc).

We hold on to the strength we have in the best way we know how. You have to face yr biggest fear/deepest hurt/ pain.

2 Samuel 21:7–14 Rizpah's grief made people respond.

Job 34:32 Job asked God to help him understand. God sees us.God is not afraid of our questions, he will answer in his time.

Resource: The Grief Journey book —by Dr Tim Sumerlin.

Practicals

*One size doesn't fit all. Pray for discernment to be present (you doesn't have to say anything).

*Don't give theological answer. Don't say "at least".

*Journal.

*Real people. 

*Be humble and willing to do better even when we mess up.

John 14:27 Thank God for the gift of peace, and pray to receive it and be a conduit for it to others. 

Watch the full service here (the sermon starts at 42mins)