It’s been a heavy past few weeks for our family. Recently, we experienced the unexpected loss of a sibling, who was a beloved husband, father, daddy-in-law, favorite uncle and friend to many. The grief has been heavy. Last night, family and friends gathered together in the wake of his loss seeking comfort in the presence of each other. This morning in my devotional prayer time, I found myself reflecting on last nights gathering as I was reading Romans chapter one and realized how much the previous night mirrored this truth. We had come together to grieve but also to strengthen and encourage one another. Conversations around the table, prayers and shared memories and favorite stories brought a sense of connection amidst the weight of loss and pain of sudden disconnection and separation. I was reminded of how God has designed us to find strength and comfort in fellowship, especially in our darkest seasons.
It is common in times of grief, that we often find ourselves searching for relief in the midst of sorrow, seeking something to still and anchor our hearts in the storms of pain and loss. Romans 1:11-12 is a reminder that God, in His wisdom, has given us two primary sources of comfort: His Word and the fellowship of believers. Paul’s words, written to the church in Rome, reflect the yearning of a spiritual shepherd and fellow sojourner, who desires to share in the mutual strengthening that comes from faith-filled companionship.
“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Grief has a way of isolating us, tempting us to retreat into ourselves, yet this verse reminds us that comfort is found not in solitude but in shared faith. Paul’s longing to impart a spiritual gift, likely the gift of teaching, exhortation, or encouragement, is not meant to elevate him but to strengthen others. What’s even more, Paul acknowledges that this strengthening is not one-sided. He expects to be encouraged as well, because mutual edification is the hallmark of Christian fellowship.
In seasons of sorrow, how often do we feel too weak to extend comfort, believing we have nothing to offer? Yet, Paul’s humility here is instructive. Even the Apostle to the Gentiles, with all his theological depth and spiritual authority, recognized his own need to be encouraged by others. It is a reminder that our smallest expressions of faith, whether a scripture spoken in love, a whispered prayer, or simply a presence that bears witness to shared pain, carry weight and power to comfort.
When grief overwhelms us, the Word of God is our steadfast source of strength. Through it, we find promises of hope that transcend the sting of death and sorrow. Consider the assurance found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which declares that God is the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.” His Word reveals the eternal perspective that grief often obscures: that for those in Christ, death is but a shadow, for we have the hope of resurrection and eternal reunion in heaven. As we cling to these truths, they not only soothe our own hearts but also equip us to speak words of life to others.
Fellowship amplifies this comfort, for God designed the body of Christ to function as a conduit of His grace. In our pain, we are sustained not only by God’s promises but by the ministry of others. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Through fellowship, we are reminded that we are not alone in our suffering. We hear testimonies of God’s faithfulness in others’ lives, which stir our hearts to trust Him more deeply. The shared experience of faith becomes a balm for our weary souls.
There is also an important practical application here. In times of grief, it can be tempting to remain silent or withdraw, believing that our pain is too personal to share. But Paul’s example challenges us to seek out opportunities to gather with others, whether in worship, small groups, or personal conversation. When we step into fellowship, even in the midst of sorrow, we find that God uses our brokenness as a vessel of His strength. Our weakness becomes a platform for His glory, as others see our faith in Him shining through the cracks of our pain.
Paul’s words also carry an eschatological hope for those in mourning. He looks forward to the time when he will be reunited with the Roman believers, much as we look forward to the time when we will be reunited with our loved ones in Christ. This shared longing for reunion, whether on earth or in heaven, strengthens us as we remind each other of the joy that awaits us in God’s presence.
Ultimately, grief for the Christian is not without hope. Paul writes in 1 Thess. 4:13-14, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” This hope of resurrection, coupled with the comfort of God’s Word and the encouragement of others, enables us to manage our pain in a way that glorifies Him.
Grief is often a solitary experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Through the fellowship of family, especially our family of believers in Christ and the promises of God’s Word, we find our courage and strength to face sorrow together. I am grateful for our family and friends who came to surround and weep together, for the faith that sustains us, and for our God who promises that one day He will wipe away every tear. Until then, we will hold on to the hope of His word and the gift of His people, knowing that even in grief, He is ever near,
