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Grief


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Grief

Overview

Grief, the sense of suffering that accompanies loss, is a common part of mortality as we lose loved ones or experience other tragedies. Because Jesus Christ has suffered the pains and afflictions of all mankind, we can be comforted and healed as we pray to the Father in His name and rely upon His Atonement.

While serving as Presiding Bishop of the Church, Elder Merrill J. Bateman taught:

“Just as the lame man at the pool of Bethesda needed someone stronger than himself to be healed (see John 5:1–9), so we are dependent on the miracles of Christ’s atonement if our souls are to be made whole from grief, sorrow, and sin. If grieving parents and loved ones have faith in the Savior and his plan, death’s sting is softened as Jesus bears the believers’ grief and comforts them through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, broken hearts are mended and peace replaces anxiety and sorrow. … As Isaiah stated concerning the Savior, ‘Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: … And with his stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:4–5).

“The prophet Alma also spoke of Christ’s healing power as he taught the Gideonites. Referring to Christ, Alma stated that he would go forth ‘suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. … And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, … that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people’ (Alma 7:11–12). Whatever the source of pain, Jesus understands and can heal the spirit as well as the body” (“The Power to Heal from Within,” Ensign or Liahona, May 1995, 13–14).

Related Topics

Scriptures

Scripture References

Scripture Study Resources

Messages from Church Leaders

Videos

“Mountains to Climb”

“Lifting Burdens”

“Sunday Will Come”

“Until We Meet Again”

“The Comforter”

“His Grace: Drug Addiction and the Loss of a Loved One”

“Unto All the World: Amalia Rivas’ Story”

“Abide with Me”

Learning Resources

General Resources

Finding Solace after the Loss of a Loved One,” ComeUntoChrist.org

Dealing with Depression,” ComeUntoChrist.org

Uncharted Waters: Finding Comfort and Peace when Life Is Less Than Ideal,” ComeUntoChrist.org

The Last Winter,” Jesus the Christ, chapter 28

Church Magazines

I lost a dear friend recently. How do I deal with the grief?New Era, February 2015

Connie Goulding, “Seeking Rescue,” Ensign, June 2015

Steven Eastmond, “The Healing Power of Grief,” Ensign, January 2014

Ashley Isaacson Woolley, “The Refining Fire of Grief,” Ensign, February 2013

Stephen Havertz, “Lifting the Hands Which Hang Down,” Ensign, February 2013

Working through Grief,” Ensign, March 2006

Catharine Rasband, “Working through My Grief,” Ensign, January 2003

Janna Nielsen, “Carrying On,” New Era, October 1997

Kristen Weaver, “Where to Look,” New Era, February 1997

Study Manuals

In the News

Viewpoint: Enjoy and Endure Seasons of Life,” Church News

In Christ Shall All Be Made Alive,” Newsroom

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?” Newsroom

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

Teaching Resources

Teaching Outlines

Media

Audio

Loss of A Loved One—Part 1,” Gospel Solutions for Families, episode 25

Loss of A Loved One—Part 2,” Gospel Solutions for Families, episode 26

Tragedy to Triumph—Vickie Walker,” Enduring It Well, episode 36

Brokenhearted Loss of a Sibling—The Ludlows,” Enduring It Well, episode 11

Music

Images