Peaceable Fruits – Part 2
Second, grief helps the Christian to realize that this life is only temporary. Grief, suffering, and pain are endemic to our physical bodies and are temporal. James writes, “What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Paul says that the physical body is corruptible, dishonorable, weak, natural and earthy (1 Corinthians 15:42-49). He says it is perishing daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). This weak, natural, decaying body is only temporary, but there is coming a day when we will no longer have this body, but one full of power, glory, honor, a spiritual body, a body that will last forever (1 Corinthians 15:42-49). And that the “light afflictions” which we endure for this moment works for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). In this new body, there will be no more sorrow, anguish, toil, grief, or pain (Revelation 20:4). Grief helps us to realize that there is a better life coming for the faithful.
Third, grief helps us to understand what is truly joyous. “All sunshine makes a desert.” If one never experiences dark times, one will not truly understand joyous times. David, the sweet singer of Israel, had many hard times in his life, yet he wrote much concerning joy. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; In thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). “Sing praise unto Jehovah, O ye saints of his, And give thanks to his holy memorial name. For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:4, 5). “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with joy, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5, 6). Who can know joy without grief?
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley