We Grieve With Hope — 1 Thessalonians 4:13–15
Aug 25, 2026 14
Christians feel the pain of death, but we grieve with hope because Jesus died and rose again.
[13] 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. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. [15] For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–15 ESV)
Paul is writing to Christians who are grieving Christian family and friends who have already died.
Jesus has not yet returned, and they are concerned about what will happen to those believers when he comes again.
Paul does not tell them, “You do not have any reason to grieve.” Christians grieve in the face of the death of a loved one.
We feel the loss. We cry. The pain may involve long grief and long suffering.
But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We grieve with hope.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Our grief is different because Jesus died and rose again. That is the foundation of our confidence.
Paul describes Christians who have died as being asleep. Sleep does not mean that death is unreal or painless. It means that death is temporary. As sleep is followed by an awakening, death will be followed by resurrection.
Those who have died trusting in Christ will not miss out when Jesus returns. God will raise them and bring them with Jesus.
The world without Jesus has no reason for a confident hope beyond the grave. Our hope is not based on wishful thinking or the work of our own hands.
Our hope rests on the person and work of Jesus: his life, his death, and his resurrection.
The Good News Is…
Jesus lived the life we failed to live. At the cross, he took our sin upon his shoulders and paid the penalty we deserved. He died, was buried, and rose from the dead. Jesus has defeated death and gives new life to everyone who trusts in him. Because Jesus rose, death is not the end for those who belong to him. We grieve, but our grief is filled with resurrection hope.
Reflection
How does the death and resurrection of Jesus change the way you face death and grieve the loss of a Christian? Who could you encourage today with the resurrection hope found in these verses?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited