Our Comfort in Grief - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - May 4
Our Comfort in Grief
By Meg Bucher
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
“Jesus loves you,” chimed the sweet voice of the faithful nun who came to pray at my Grandma’s side. “Your sins are forgiven… Jesus loves you.”
My glasses fogged at the sound of our Savior’s name. The Bible tells of the power of his name, and in that moment, I felt the full weight of his compassion for us, as we said goodbye to a family matriarch. God’s sovereignty reigned in the room, and I imagined Jesus’ tears falling alongside mine as his beloved endured the pain of this world. How he must long to take it away, as we struggle to understand his greater purpose and perfect plan.
As the nun sang to my grandmother home to Jesus, the miraculous truth of Romans 6:23 echoed in my mind. We are forgiven. Do we cling enough to this truth? The gift we’ve been given in this life is eternal life in Christ Jesus! Through him, we death and grief for everlasting life.
On this side of heaven, grief aches within each of us. It comes in waves and creeps up on us when we are least prepared for it. And through it we crave His presence. It’s built into the core of who we are.
My grandmother lived a life of service to her community. Her work as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and servant of God was never complete. She will be remembered for her smile, full life, love for all of us and faith in Jesus. Romans 6:23 reminds us that this is what matters most. Not the work we do or things we accomplish, but the way we do it. With a smile, a laugh, and a heart seeking to love those around us until the day Jesus takes us home.
Shortcomings and mistakes never trump God’s purpose for any life. Jesus went to the cross knowing we would continue to sin. He laid down his life for us anyway. And God uses every sin, stronghold, and struggle to strengthen us. This is what fuels Christian joy. Not striving for perfection, but taking refuge in his perfect Love.
The permanence of God’s timing resonates with us long after the people he has purposefully placed in our lives have joined him in heaven. He continues to mold us with the legacy of faithful lives, lived in honor of him. Perhaps that is why the memories we hold so dear trigger tearful moments. When they come, we can cling to the joy of experiencing such a grand love for one another this side of heaven, and in hope look forward to the day Jesus wipes away every tear … for good.
Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ. An author, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80, she earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,” is available on amazon.com. Meg leads/teaches Bible Study in Women’s and Youth Ministry. Living in Northern Ohio, she’s been wife to Jim for a decade and counting, is mom to two tween daughters, a distance runner, photographer, and avid Cleveland Browns fan.
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
