35 Bible Verses About Grief to Help You Mourn the Loss of a Loved One
Grief is a unique experience for each person. Some may find it challenging to express their feelings when they lose a loved one, while others can articulate their emotions more easily. Grief looks different for everyone. There's no one right way to cope with the loss of a family member, friend, or someone in your community. However, if you're a follower of the Christian faith, reading Bible verses about grief can provide comfort and a path toward finding solace during a time when it may seem elusive. Turning to your relationship with God can offer hope for the future and provide words to honor the life of your loved one.
When you face the loss of someone close to you, dealing with the emotions that arise can be a complex journey. Scripture can inspire you to continue seeking closure and meaning in life after death. It's important to recognize that healing isn't a straightforward or easy process. Adapting to life without that person, whether due to illness, old age, or unexpected loss, takes time. These Bible verses about grief serve as a reminder that God is with you, offering support during the days when sorrow seems overwhelming.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“But the Lord is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared!”
The Good News: This passage is about God's presence and support during difficult times. So even when you face challenging situations or times of fear, you can trust that God is with you. We hope this reassurance makes you feel less alone, and that you can rely on God's help and guidance.
Psalm 28:2
“Listen to my request for mercy when I cry out to you, when I lift up my hands to your holy inner sanctuary.”
The Good News: At your lowest points, God is still there. He listens when you are happy, when you are sad, and when you’re experiencing every feeling in between. Lean on Him when times get rough for comfort and sanctuary.
Psalm 6:6-7
“I’m worn out from groaning. Every night, I drench my bed with tears; I soak my couch all the way through. My vision fails because of my grief; it’s weak because of all my distress.”
The Good News: If you’re experiencing distress and sadness, you’re not alone. As humans, sometimes we do go through very tough and emotional times. You will sometimes feel so overwhelmed by grief that you’ll cry and mourn throughout the night. This deep sorrow and pain means you need comfort and relief. Turn to your faith.
Genesis 37:34-35
“Then Jacob tore his clothes, put a simple mourning cloth around his waist, and mourned for his son for many days. All of his sons and daughters got up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted, telling them, ‘I’ll go to my grave mourning for my son.’ And Joseph’s father wept for him.”
The Good News: Just as Jacob was devastated by the news of his son Joseph's apparent death, you may also experience this sorrow. He mourned for a long time despite his other children's attempts to comfort him. It is okay to refuse to be consoled. You’re human, after all. You have to go through the process in your own time.
Philippians 4:8
“From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.”
The Good News: In difficult times, it is often helpful to focus on the good. Instead of focusing on what is gone, remember what is still there, providing you joy.
Psalm 31:9
“Have mercy on me, Lord, because I’m depressed. My vision fails because of my grief, as do my spirit and my body.”
The Good News: In trying times, you can ask God for His compassion and help. You can always seek God's comfort and relief during a challenging period in life.
Psalm 119:28
“My spirit sags because of grief. Now raise me up according to your promise!”
The Good News: This verse is conveying the feeling of being emotionally exhausted and sad. When we’re in this position, we ask for strength and comfort from God's teachings and promises to help us through difficult and sorrowful times. The plea for God's support and guidance during moments of distress and weariness will be heard.
Job 30:25-28
“If I didn’t weep for those who have a difficult day or my soul grieve for the needy; for I awaited good, but evil came; I expected light, but gloom arrived. My insides, churning, are never quiet; days of affliction confront me. I walk in the dark, lacking sunshine; I rise in the assembly and cry out.”
The Good News: When you are feeling tired and sad, you can ask God to give you strength and comfort through His teachings and promises.
Lamentations 3:19-22
“The memory of my suffering and homelessness is bitterness and poison. I can’t help but remember and am depressed. I call all this to mind — therefore, I will wait. Certainly, the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly, God’s compassion isn’t through!”
The Good News: The bad things that happen to you might bring you bitterness and sorrow. These memories will sometimes cause you to feel deeply sad and troubled in your heart, and you could easily lose hope. But this passage will help you reflect on your sadness. Feel your feelings.
Ecclesiastes 7:4
“The wise heart is in the house that mourns, but the foolish heart is in the house that rejoices.”
The Good News: Even if it’s painful, it’s important to reflect on the reality of death and other deeply hard challenges in life. Indulging in constant celebration isn’t normal. Life is made up of ebbs and flows, positives and negatives. When you are facing difficulties, your sadness can lead to personal growth and wisdom, whereas if you only pursue constant pleasure and laughter, you’ll learn nothing.
Isaiah 66:13
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem, you will be comforted.”
The Good News: God promises to provide comfort and care to those who believe in Him, similar to how a mother comforts her child. The verse conveys God's nurturing nature, assuring believers that they will find solace in Him. Turn to Him when you’re grieving.
1 Peter 5:7
“Throw all your anxiety onto Him because He cares about you.”
The Good News: You can unload your worries and concerns to God because he cares about you. This is just a reminder that you don't have to bear the weight of your problems alone, and you can trust God to help and support you through difficult times.
RELATED: Bible Verses About Anxiety to Soothe and Strengthen
Jeremiah 29:11
“‘I know the plans I have in mind for you,’ declares the Lord; ‘they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.’”
The Good News: In simple terms, this passage means that God has positive and hopeful plans for your future. Regardless of what you’re going through right now, he intends to bring you good things and not harm. We hope this verse offers reassurance that God cares for your and there’s a greater plan.
John 14:27
“Peace, I leave with you. My peace, I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”
The Good News: Don't be scared of your emotions. Let your sorrow wash over you, give into your feelings, and you will be better for it, as God is guiding you along the way to healing.
Joshua 1:9
“I’ve commanded you to be brave and strong, haven’t I? Don’t be alarmed or terrified because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The Good News: It's a common theme in the Bible, but God isn't leaving our side. No matter where our journey in life takes us, He is with us in spirit.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. Know Him in all your paths, and He will keep your ways straight.”
The Good News: We may feel lost and confused during these painful times, but God has a reason and plan for everything. He knows where we are going and how we are getting there, so place all your faith and trust in Him.
Psalm 73:26
“My body and my heart fail, but God is my heart’s rock and my share forever.”
The Good News: Our physical bodies may fail eventually, but if we put our entire trust into our faith, then our spiritual hearts will live forever.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”
The Good News: When you are able, think about the things for which you are grateful in this life. It will remind you of all the great things God has given to us and to live life to the fullest.
Isaiah 53:11
“After His deep anguish He will see light, and He will be satisfied. Through His knowledge, the righteous one, my servant will make many righteous and will bear their guilt.”
The Good News: We are not alone in our grief. Others have felt the same waves of sorrow as us and experienced the same desire for hope. Don't be afraid to lean on others in this time.
John 11:25-26
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
The Good News: Those who die are never truly gone, because Jesus is the resurrection, and those who believe are granted everlasting life.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
"Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison. We don't focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can't be seen. The things that can be seen don't last, but the things that can't be seen are eternal."
The Good News: Though we may have to contend with stress and sorrow during our time on Earth, all the pain will be worth what’s waiting for us in heaven.
Lamentations 3:31-32
"My Lord definitely won't reject forever. Although He has caused grief, He will show compassion in measure with his covenant loyalty."
The Good News: Healing after loss will take time, but God ensures that the pain will not last longer than you can handle.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about people who have died so that you won't mourn like others who don't have any hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose, so we also believe that God will bring with Him those who have died in Jesus."
The Good News: Even if you miss your loved ones, you can take comfort in knowing you will be reunited again some day. Trust that death does not mean goodbye forever.
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