Processing Grief—by Raj and Angie Chandra
Sermon summary:
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)
