Loss is something we all have to bear at some point in our life. It neither discriminates between people or cares for your material possessions, and it can strike out of the blue many times unannounced.

It makes no distinction between faith or none, or what race or nationality you are. Loss takes many forms such as the death of a loved one, the ending of a marriage, becoming unemployed, loss of faith or political beliefs, becoming homeless, and even the loss of a much-loved pet etc.

Some can handle loss and carry on as if nothing has happened, but more than likely, they are hurting inside. Others it can affect with greater severity and can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety and isolation.

When we suffer loss of one kind or another, the experience can be made more bearable if we have friends, family and organisations like the church to help. Your GP may be one option to consider as they can suggest all manner of counselling therapies. Getting out of the house and doing something you enjoy and mixing with positive people is another way forward.

As Christians, it is our duty and responsibility to come alongside those suffering loss. Not judge them or discriminate against them, but be a listening ear and perhaps as friends, family and church point them in the direction of help.

We can offer to pray with them, whether they be Christian or some other faith because as human beings, loss affects us all. When people feel no one is taking them seriously, or little or no help seems forthcoming, it is then that people need a listening ear and perhaps even a shoulder to cry on.

As with everything we face in life, the Bible is our guide even when it comes to loss. I will end with these encouraging verses from the Bible:

2 Peter 2:9, “Then the Lord knows how to rescue the Godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgement”.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of comfort, who comforts us all in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who in any affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort”.

God bless you xx.