The apostle Paul spent about three weeks in Thessalonica before the Jews there incited a riot, causing him to leave the city (Acts 17:2-8).

In just three weeks Paul could not teach the Thessalonians everything about the faith. Later he wrote two epistles to them from Athens and discussed some things he had been unable to cover while in Thessalonica. Here is an important subject Paul mentions in his first epistle:

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

During his three weeks in Thessalonica Paul either had not discussed the resurrection or had not completed his teaching on this subject. From verse 13 we deduct that:

1. grief over the loss of a loved one is not wrong of and by itself, and
2. our grieving should be different from the grief of people who are "have no hope."

There is "a time to weep," according to King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Grief is part of the human experience and the loss of a loved one should not be denied. However, ancient gravestones in Thessalonica bemoan the "eternal death" of the deceased. The Thessalonians really did not have any hope!

The grieving process should be different in the life of a Christian. In dealing with the loss of a loved one, the sure hope of being reunited – because God has promised it – grows in importance with the passage of time.

Sorrow, yes. Sorrowing "as others, who have no hope," no.

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!