Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5795 bereavement » 5797 bereavement, God's comfort in God cares for the bereaved, and can turn their mourning into joy and hope. God comforts the bereaved and the sorrowful Lamentations 3:32-33; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 See also Psalm 116:8; Matthew 5:4; Revelation 7:17 Mourning turned into joy Psalm 30:11 See also Isaiah 61:1-3; Jeremiah 31:13; John 16:20 Despair turned into hope 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 “Falling asleep” was a euphemistic way of talking about dying. Fear turned into assurance Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 25:8-9 In the OT, death was generally feared because it meant the loss of meaningful existence. However, like several references, this one looks beyond the grave and anticipates NT hope for all who trust in God ; Romans 8:38-39 Paul's conclusion after working through the implications of the gospel. See also John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-24; Revelation 21:4 God's care for widows and orphans Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 10:14 See also Psalm 68:5; Psalm 146:9; Jeremiah 49:11; Hosea 14:3 Jesus Christ cared for the bereaved Luke 7:11-13; John 11:33 At the grave of his friend, Lazarus. See also Luke 8:49-56 Caring for the bereaved Deuteronomy 24:19 Special provisions in the law for the bereaved ; Romans 12:15 See also Deuteronomy 26:12; Jeremiah 22:3; Acts 6:1-3 The early church provided for widows in the fellowship with a special fund; 1 Timothy 5:3; James 1:27 See also
1030 God, compassion |
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