Bereavement

Death is an unavoidable part of life. But our Christian hope is that this is not the end. There is life beyond our earthly experience. Throughout the Bible we are assured of this.  In his encounter with Mary following the death of Lazarus, Jesus reassures her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live…’ (John 11:17-27). And later, in John’s account of the last supper, Jesus tells his disciples, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?’ (John 14:1-7).

Christians believe that physical death opens the way to a new life in God’s presence. We can have confidence in a bigger story, because Jesus has gone through it before us.

John’s vision in the book of Revelation points us towards God’s new heaven and earth, where death and mourning, crying and pain will be no more (Revelation 21:1-4). The confusion, sorrow and even anger which we feel in response to death will not be part of our new life in God’s presence.

In the midst of grief our Christian faith gives us hope and assurance that this is not the end. Through Jesus, God promises us life beyond our earthly experience.

For further information

Schools bereavement support | Weblink

A website to support those managing death:

Lastwords.uk | Weblink

Suffolk Cruse offers a Bereavement Care Line available on 01473 230888 or email: helpline@cruse.org.uk

Suffolk Cruse | Weblink