Since the pale of death pierces every mortal, it is necessary for all of us to learn how to handle bereavement. I have watched with great admiration and respect the courage that has borne many a saint through hours of sorrow. Here is some of the practical advice I have seen others use in dealing with grief:

Express your emotions. Since Jesus wept, it should not be considered a Christian virtue to be unmoved by the loss of a loved one. There is a difference between suppressing one’s emotion and losing one’s self-control. The Bible does not say, “Sorrow not,” but it says, “sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Seek the aid of your friends. The very presence of friends is an encouragement. When Paul neared Rome, the brethren came to meet him and he “thanked God, and took courage” (Acts 28:15).

Compel yourself to be with people. Your inclination may be to retreat into the refuge of privacy, but there is a greater need than one realizes to associate with others. David did (2 Samuel 12:19-23).
Express your feelings in words. Talking about it will help you to accept it. If this is done at the outset of bereavement, one will sooner be able to stabilize his life.

Avail yourself of spiritual resources. Even though you may not have realized the importance of the Scriptures and their comfort, now this can help in building your faith. The power of prayer and the peace of God are very precious possessions.

Don’t brood over what might have been. Both Mary and Martha said, “If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:21, 32).

Actively pursue worthwhile tasks. Once the initial shock has been dealt with, get busy at other things. Resolve like Paul to reach “forth unto the things which are before” (Philippians 3:13).

Make careful, thoughtful decisions. Many an individual jumps hastily into deciding the full scope of the future rather than waiting until he has regained a proper perspective of life. Don’t get in a hurry. Make prayerful decisions.

Increase your trust in God. Those who have come through their sorrows with a deeper faith can verify that God, who rules over all, truly does make all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

After the crisis of grief, you can serve more fully and sympathize more completely with men of like passions. With Paul, you, too, can thank God for the comfort received in knowing that it has now given you the ability to comfort others who are in any trouble.