19 Comforting Bible Verses for Grieving a Loss

I wish this was a light-hearted post in which I was sharing the joy of the Lord and not talking about the heartbreaking grief.  However, death is what we experience in this sin-laden fallen world and these Bible verses for grieving a loss will bring you comfort or help you share the comfort that is only found in Christ.

When I lost my beautiful eight-year-old daughter, Rebekah, in an accident, my life was plunged into a darkness I had never known before.  I had a wonderful support system that I know was not provided to me by chance, but the healing has been slow. 

One painful step at a time.  Every minute of every day felt impossible in the beginning and sleepless nights were a time in which I experienced the deepest distress.

I am not going to lie.  Comforting scriptures for grief were not something I turned to in the beginning because I was so angry at God for taking my little girl, but God knew what I needed for healing and that was HIm. 

This collection is personal to me because I clung to several of these verses in an effort to keep my life from spinning out of control.  When you feel as if you’ve died, there is nothing that brings enjoyment or peace to your heart- except God’s word. 

Clinging to these words saved me and changed my faith in a way I never thought possible.

a grieving woman being comforted by someone

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Bible Verses for Grieving

I have divided these Bible verses for grieving into two lists.

Bible verses to remind us that God is with us and Bible verses about heaven to give us hope.

It is no secret that grief is lonely and isolating.  When our friends return to their daily lives we cannot.  The hole that is left in our life is not felt by everyone, it is unique to us.  Everything has changed for us and we are left feeling alone on this path-even if we have amazing support.

I vividly remember walking outside the day of Rebekah’s funeral and being surprised that the sun was shining.  How could it possibly shine?  How could life go on for everyone else when mine had stopped?

As I’m rounding up this collection I have two people in mind.  Those who are grieving and in deep pain and the friends of the grieving.  These grief scriptures are intended to comfort the hurting as well as provide a way for you to comfort your friend.

True healing comes from God in a way that cannot be provided by anyone else.  With this in mind, turning to scripture during your pain or reminding your friend to cling to the only one who can truly comfort them is a treasure.

Far too often, we don’t know what to say when someone is grieving.  The usuals such as “I’m sorry for your loss” never seem to reach deep enough.  Let scripture speak for you.  I am going to go into this more later, but for now, let’s get into Bible verses to remind us that God is always with us and here to comfort us.

Isaiah 43:1-2

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 8:38-39)

Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love;  I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.  (Jeremiah 31:3)

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”  (Zephaniah 3:17)

Isaiah 53:4-5

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  (Isaiah 53:4-5)

Lamentations 3:55-57

I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”  (Lamentations 3:55-57)

Isaiah 49:15-16

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget,  I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.  (Isaiah 49:15-16)

Psalm 119:114

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;  (Psalm 23:4)

These scriptures to comfort the grieving are focused on Heaven and life after death.  They provide us hope and hope is a powerful thing. 

When we have the ability to picture a life that is not full of pain and suffering, one that is glorious and shining with God’s love and peace, and can then picture our loved one is such a beautiful setting, it gives us a reason to smile. 

It gives us peace and that is no small thing when your heart is breaking.

Remembering that grief is meant to last for a season and not the rest of our lives brings comfort as well.  We can find joy in life knowing that this earth is not our permanent home.

John 14:1-3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  (John 14:1-3)

1 Corinthians 2:7-9

No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him—  (1 Corinthians 2:7-9)

Revelation 21:4

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  (Revelation 21:4)

Revelation 22:1-5

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.  (Revelation 22:1-5)

Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.  (Philippians 3:20-21)

Revelations 5:11-12

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.  In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”  (Revelation 5:11-12)

2 Corinthians 5:7-8

For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  (2 Corinthians 5:7-8)

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Colossians 1:13

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves  (Colossians 1:13)

19 Bible Verses for Grieving a Loss

How to Use Grief Scriptures

Let’s talk about how to get the most from these grief scriptures.  I told you that I had two people in mind while gathering this collection.  Let’s talk about those of you who are reading this because you are looking for comfort yourself.

These comforting scriptures for grief are great to study.  You can read them and underline the words that touch your heart.  You can also write them on index cards and put them places where you will see them often.  This will keep God’s word on your mind and in your heart.

Lastly, journaling God’s word is another great idea.  Personalize scripture, it’s called the living word of God because it relates to us time and again.  These are God’s words to you, allow them to comfort you.

If you are here looking for a way to comfort your friend these are perfect verses to write in a card or send in a text.  I want to challenge you.  Once the memorial service is over and people go back to their lives, your friend is facing the most difficult part of their journey. 

Every week or two send them a text or a card, reminding them that you care and God cares.  Include one of these grief scriptures.  It will encourage them.

I feel as if grief in our modern culture is uncomfortable for a lot of people.  They become anxious with the tears and mourning.  They don’t know what to say or what to do and far too often end up saying something less than helpful. 

I found the most comfort in those people who told me they were here for me and actually were.  Pair these verses with heartfelt action and you will fulfill God’s word when He instructs us to “carry one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)

Which one of these comforting Bible verses for grieving a loss stood out to you?  Is there a verse you cling to that isn’t listed here?  I’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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