Grief—the Price We Pay for Love

“Grief never ends…but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…it is the price of love.” —Unknown

Everyone will experience grief in their life. To never experience grief is to have never loved. You see, grief is the price we pay for love. The more we love someone the greater the grief.

Even Jesus grieved. When Jesus heard of the passing of his best friend Lazarus, even though he would raise him from the dead, Jesus wept. He loved his friend and grief was the price that even Our Lord paid for that love.

Grief is connected to love in a very special way. The loss of a loved one—a spouse, child, parent, or close friend, even the loss of a pet can trigger the grief that is intricately connected to our love. Grief is the last act of love.

[pullquote]Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. — (Matthew 5:4, NAB)[/pullquote]

The grieving process is a journey and not a place. It never ends it just evolves. We will get through the toughest parts, but grieving is a passage. The only cure for grief is to grieve.

What emerges from our grief is a new person capable of helping others. We can turn our misery into ministry and help others get through their toughest times.

So what can we do to help a friend that has suffered a loss and is overcome with grief?

Never tell them, “you will get over it.” They won’t. Grief never ends, it just changes.
Let them know that it is OK to cry. Remember the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, “Jesus Wept.”
Understand they will be facing emotions they have never felt before. Help them to get over the initial shock and sort through the emotional roller coaster by being patient with them.
Depression is a part of the grief cycle. Stay in touch, call them or better yet visit them. Invite the grieving person to lunch or dinner and don’t be afraid to talk about their deceased loved one.

Yes, grief is the price we pay for love. If we don’t love, we don’t grieve. It is that deep love that will sustain us and the beautiful memories of our loved one will always be with us. God bless you in your grief, my friend.

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