Connect

Main Idea:  It’s okay not to feel okay when we experience loss and grief, and we can use these moments to draw closer to God.

Introduction:  Pastor Chris talked about what happens when we and others experience grief and loss this week. We don’t need to know exactly what to say when people are hurting; we only need to be available. Let’s think about how we can encourage one another during difficult seasons.

Discussion Starter: Has there been a time when you’ve experienced loss or grief? How did that feel, and what was your response?

Grow

Primary Scriptures: Mark 14:32-36, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Mark 14:32-36. In this passage, we see Jesus in a moment of vulnerability. One of the disciples shares this moment from their perspective in Luke 22:44. Read Mark 14:33. Jesus didn’t go into the garden alone; He brought people with Him. How has someone been there for you when you’ve walked through a challenging season? Have you been there for somebody who is experiencing grief or loss? Why do you think it’s so important to surround yourself with others during these times?
2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Paul challenges us in his letter to the church of Rome to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Pastor Chris challenges us to not leave things unsaid to loved ones before they or you are gone. He quotes Ron Dunn saying, “…how many parents, how many children, how many friends there are who haven’t adequately expressed themselves to each other before one of them dies and leaves an aching sense of a door never opened.” What makes it difficult to express our feelings or have conversations with those we love? How can we overcome that difficulty and show others in our lives the love of Christ while we’re together on this side of heaven?
3. Who is the Lord prompting you to reach out to? How can you reach out to others, or in what ways do you already reach out to others regularly?

Protect

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

If you are walking through a season of grief or loss, please know that you are not alone. Read Psalm 56:1-13 together. Meditate on God’s presence with us in any situation. Pray for one another. For further help, you can connect with someone in our Stephen Ministry or consider talking to someone through Faith Promise’s free counseling.