If Jesus is often an example to us of how to live, then His instances of grief over death of friends – and over death’s effect on this life – should show that it is acceptable to grieve. Not only is it acceptable, it is necessary to acknowledge, as Jesus did, how mournful this life is. If we don’t, we aren’t admitting what sin has done to this world, and we therefore won’t turn to Christ in our need.


Just as we need to fully dwell on our sinful nature and repent of those sins, we also need to dwell on our sorrow. For it is only those who know that they need forgiveness and hope that can appreciate what Christ has done in triumphing over death and thereby giving His people life forever in eternity.


If we need any further encouragement that grieving is important, we can turn to the many verses in the Psalms where the psalmists cried out from the depth of their souls the agony they felt in times of sorrow. Acknowledge with them before God’s throne the pain you feel in this life and depend on Him for true consolation.