Bereaved
239
No Sin in Weeping
Comfort to a Widow
Dear Sister,
We sympathize with you in your bereavement and widowhood. I
have passed over the ground that you are now traveling, and know what
it means. How much sorrow there is in our world! How much grief!
How much weeping! It is not right to say to the bereaved ones, “Do
not weep; it is not right to weep.” Such words have little consolation
in them. There is no sin in weeping. Although the one who passes
away has been for years a sufferer because of weakness and pain, yet
that does not wipe away the tears from our eyes.
Our loved ones die. Their accounts with God are sealed up. But
while we consider it a serious, solemn thing to die, we must consider
it a much more solemn thing to live. Every day of life is freighted
with responsibilities which we must bear. Our individual interests, our
words, our actions, are making impressions upon those with whom we
are connected. We are to find our consolation in Jesus Christ. Precious
Saviour! He was ever touched with human woe Cling to the Source of
your strength.—
Letter 103, 1898
.
He Sleeps in Jesus
On the Death of a Husband and Father
My Dear Afflicted Sister,
I am afflicted with you in your affliction. Although I did not expect
to meet your husband again in this life, yet I have been made sad to
hear of his death, and of the heavy responsibilities that this has left
to rest upon you in the care of the family. We sympathize with you
and will pray often for you and your children. Your husband sleeps
in Jesus. “Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from
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henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours:
and their works do follow them” (
Revelation 14:13
).
The Father loves all who are believers in deed and in truth, as
members of that body of which Christ is the head. You must now sit
down under Christ’s shadow, and you will realize His peace. Think
of Christ. Look to Him in faith, believing His promises. Keep your
mind trustful. He will be your stay. Lean on Him, depend on Him. Do