As a funeral service that provides Christian funeral packages in Singapore, we have come across many Christians who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Physical death, according to the Christian faith, opens the way for a new beginning in the afterlife. However, the bereaved family and friends who remain must deal with their grief and despair.
Grief is a common theme that appears throughout the Bible, and it is an emotion that is encouraged to be expressed without shame, guilt, or condemnation. It is a gateway to deeper emotions that reveals our most vulnerable emotions.
Read on to learn more about how to cope with grief and loss from a Christian worldview and based on their practices.
Christianity and Death
The Christian faith centres around the concepts of heaven, hell, and purgatory. Those who lived according to the will of God can look forward to eternal life in heaven, while those who were steeped in wickedness beyond repentance would be cast down to hell. Some Christians believe that those who have committed forgivable sins during their lives will stay in purgatory and atone for their sins before they can enter heaven.
What is Grief?
Grief is the natural response of our mind and body to the loss of someone or something we hold dear. It is a painful emotional experience that arises from the mental contrast between what we had in the past and what we are now missing. It can be difficult to process the feeling of a void in our lives after having lost someone. When we grieve, sadness can encompass every waking moment, and it can feel overwhelming. Grief manifests as tears, anger, reminiscence, and confusion, as we struggle to make sense of our new reality after a loss.
There are two sides to the grieving process, and the Bible offers guidance for both. The most profound BIblical reference to life and death is found in Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, 4. It goes on to say that “To everything, there is a season…a time to be born, and a time to die … a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” This is a passage that is read and reflected upon at many Christian funerals, and it provides much-needed comfort to the bereaved.
Managing Our Grief
It is difficult to deal with our individual pain on our own, and each person’s experience with grief can be different based on their own unique circumstances. While each person feels their loss in a unique way, there are certain practices that everyone can follow to recover from their grief. Christians often seek solace from the scriptures and find reassurance in the Biblical teachings.
Let Your Emotions Surface
Unprocessed emotions can lead us to take unexpected courses of action, so the first step toward letting go should be allowing ourselves to feel those emotions in their entirety. There are times in which it is neither safe nor ideal to let ourselves feel the full extent of our grief. However, there are places we can retreat to where we can allow ourselves to feel our emotions. If you find yourself feeling overly emotional in a public place, try to find a quiet and peaceful space where you feel comfortable enough to let these feelings out.
When you feel the emotions coming to the surface, let them do so. While these emotions need not be understood immediately, they must be processed. The Holy Bible often provides much-needed advice on dealing with emotions, and sharing these with God, family and friends is encouraged in the Christian faith.
Experience Grief Alone and With Others
The most important part of mourning alone is being completely truthful to ourselves. Grieving alone during a time of loss lets us express our emotions without having to worry about how others would react. Christian faith encourages creating a space to grieve, enabling the bereaved to turn to God in prayer and to have a conversation with Him. At the same time, Christians are encouraged to reach out to others, who will provide them with much-needed emotional support throughout the grieving process. It is important to seek support from loved ones, family, and friends who can provide comfort, encouragement, and practical help. Attending church services or joining a support group with others who are also grieving can also be helpful.
Accept What Is and What Isn’t Meant To Be
Accepting the reality of our circumstances both before and after a loss is critical as it allows us to grieve more effectively. We could be disappointed, angry, or confused because our hopes, dreams, desires, and expectations have not been and may never be met, especially with another person. When we continue to place our faith in what we wish to be true, we put ourselves and others under pressure, and it eventually stops us from enjoying the blessings God has in store for us.
Recognising that circumstances have changed with the faith that God has the best plan in mind for the bereaved is a necessary step toward acceptance in the Christian perspective. To accept something, one must acknowledge both its positive and negative characteristics, even while mourning its loss. Therefore, to grieve healthily means to recognise the loss of love, kindness, or the desired change, and to accept that a future still lies ahead.
Give Yourself Time and Space
Grief does not work according to a defined timeline; if we do not allow our grief the time and space required, it might develop into depression.
It takes time to process emotions and gain new experiences. We cannot speed up the process by neglecting what we need, such as facing our emotions and carrying out acts that reflect the type of person we want to be in our new reality.
Christians also believe that healing from grief takes time, and there is no set timetable for the grieving process. It is crucial to be patient and kind to oneself and to allow oneself to heal at their own pace. In this way, the bereaved can experience God’s love and comfort as they journey through the process of grief and healing.
Helping Others With Their Grief
We are encouraged to bring consolation through our presence and share in their sorrow when comforting someone who has lost a loved one. Christians are encouraged to pray with and for the person who is grieving. This is considered a powerful source of comfort and strength. It can also help them feel connected to God and His love during this difficult time. Christians are also encouraged to offer hope to those who are grieving by reminding them of God’s promises and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Christian Funeral Services in Singapore
Grief can be especially difficult to process in the wake of a loved one’s passing, making it an emotionally challenging process when planning their funerary arrangements. Funeral directors can assist you in this regard, as they are trained professionals who can assist with all elements of the funeral planning process. They are adaptable and often make every effort to fulfil the wishes of bereaved family members and friends. Amidst significant emotional stress and despair, grieving families can benefit from the firm assurance and support that a reliable funeral director provides.
Our funeral directors at A LifeGrad Funeral Services LLP have 15 years of expertise in providing support to those grieving the loss of a loved one. We are committed to honouring the wishes of your family and conducting a respectful funeral service for the dearly departed. We provide Christian funeral packages as part of our offerings, and families have the option to personalise these ceremonies to match their unique needs.
We take care of everything that is associated with a funeral and provide customers with clear and reliable information regarding the options available to them. If you have any inquiries regarding the services that we provide, get in touch with us at +65 6262 3086.