When I started Tipping Sacred Cow I did so with the intent of occasionally pointing out the strange things we believers do.  Today, I was reminded of one such custom; one that I must admit drives me a little nuts.  I am referring to the way we tend to use 1 Corinthians 15:55 out of context, and at less then opportune of times.

 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Cor 15:55

I am sure you have heard this verse before.  It is a rather popular passage, one which you are likely to hear quoted at a funeral.  Now, it is more than understandable why this verse might be used at a funeral.  It speaks to our life after death, one where the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal takes on immortality.  This is an encouraging verse for all of us who are looking forward to the promise of our eternal life with Christ.  However, is it really appropriate to use it when consoling those who may be in the process of grieving?

I don’t know about you, but when someone, in an attempt to console a mourner, proceeds to say, “Death where is your sting?” I want to jump up and say, “This is it right here.”  In context 1 Cor 15:55 is speaking of the day when we receive our glorified bodies, and death is no longer an issue.  Definitely a day we can all look forward to with great expectation.  However, this verse really does not speak to the loss we feel when someone we love and cherish passes on.  A loss that is very real, and one we most assuredly experience.

Christians are by no means exempt from grief.  Sometimes I wonder if it is a prevailing belief among contemporary believers that this shouldn’t be the case.  Many times I have heard 1 Cor 15:55 quoted in such a way as to say, “Hey, you don’t need to greave.  Don’t you know death has lost it’s sting?”  In such circumstances I have actually seen it make individuals feel awkward, or worse yet convicted for experiencing a sense of loss and grief for their loved one.

In truth the issue isn’t whether Christians should grieve, but how they should grieve.  The Bible informs us that as children of God we have a hope in Christ which causes us to approach the grieving process differently than those who do not possess this same hope (1 Thes 4:13-18).  When we do grieve, we must do so with the cross in sight.  This means the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection has to inform our understanding of our present, as well as our future (1 Peter 1:3-5).  We will still experience a sense of loss, knowing that this side of eternity we will not see our loved one again.  However, because of the price Christ paid on the cross, and the fact he rose again from the dead, we are comforted knowing we shall join them with Christ some day.

Therefore, when it comes to helping brothers and sisters in Christ dealing with a loss of a loved one, you must be sure to keep the cross upfront and visible.  We may mourn, but we will mourn with the cross in sight.  1 Corinthians 15:55 alone will not console the grieving soul.  Only when we first have a shared hope, founded in Christ’s death and resurrection, will the prospect of death’s defeat truly have significance.

 

Note:  This post ties in nicely with this podcast.