Part 3

TEARS ARE NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS

As servicemen and women, we are often sucked into the false belief that tears are a sign of weakness. Let’s see what the Bible says about weeping.

JOB’S STORY

Job was a wealthy man with a large family. In an instant, he lost everything: his children, his cattle, his wealth, his health. When three of Job’s friends heard what happened to him, they got together and went to comfort him (Job 2:11).

They sat in silence with him for a week before speaking. When Job broke the silence and expressed his pain, his friends were quick to point out his lack of faith (Job 4:3–6). They said his suffering was due to his sins and the sins of his children (Job 4:7–8).

Although Job claimed he had not sinned, they were sure that if he were innocent, God would not have let this happen (Job 8:6–8; 11:2–4; 22:21–30). They accused him over and over to try to get him to confess.

Finally, Job said, “Miserable comforters are you all!” (Job 16:2, NIV). Rather than comforting Job, they increased his pain.

Using Job’s story as an example, sort the following items into two categories: Items that were helpful to Job in his grief, and items that were not helpful.

Drag and drop the top tiles into one of the two categories at the bottom.

Retry?

A friend who prays with and for you

Someone who gives you hope

Someone who assumes they understand your situation

Someone who is present with you

Talking to someone about how you feel

A friend who rushes you to move on

Someone who listens more than speaks

Someone who pushes you toward healing

Helpful

Not Helpful

Reflect & Respond

Journal Exercise #3

What loss that you have experienced feels the most significant to you right now? At this moment, what stage of grief do you think you are in? What is one thing you would like to do to face this stage? Reflect on the hope that is found in Christ. All sorrow will be removed in the new heaven and earth and all will be made right.

If you have not yet downloaded and printed your Module 3 journal, you can download it now.

DEATH AND LOSS CAME INTO THE WORLD

Because of this, we all suffer and grieve. But as Christians, we have hope because we know in heaven there will be no more pain, suffering, grieving, or mourning. Read the following verses that remind us of this hope.

Interactive Bible Verses

WHAT’S NEXT

Grief helps us acknowledge, experience, and eventually accept the unfairness of this world while trusting in our Sustainer. And while grief may be postponed, it cannot be ignored indefinitely. Pain demands attention.

If you are on a journey toward new beginnings, you will want to continue with the next module in this series, “Bringing Pain to the Cross.”

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