Not as others which have no hope
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Paul does not tell the church not to grieve. He tells them not to grieve as those who have no hope.
Christian grief still aches. You may still miss their voice, their habits, the way they filled a room. But underneath the ache there is a floor, and the floor is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus died and rose again, those who sleep in Him will be brought with Him. Your goodbye is not the end of the story.
Today, give yourself permission to grieve honestly, and ask God to let hope sit beside your sorrow.