Comfort Those Who Mourn
When we think about comforting those who mourn, we typically think about those who have lost someone in death. However, the action of mourning can indicate any number of losses—the loss of a job or the dissolution of a relationship. We also mourn as communities, especially following community, and worldwide events such as war, natural disasters, and mass shootings. In the Bible, we find texts of loss and grief, as well as words of comfort, healing, and presence. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we learn that the power of death cannot overcome the power of life (John 20:1–18). This is our profound belief—nothing will separate us from God’s love—and we share that belief with one another.
In this unit, participants will learn that as we nurture our own ability to comfort others, it is equally important to be in touch with how we grieve ourselves. We all mourn at times and need others to console us and accompany us as we recover. Through the practice of comforting one another, community bonds are strengthened and those who suffer are restored. The four dimensions of the practice that are discussed in this unit include: show up for those who mourn, name loss, and receive God’s comfort, comfort others, and share God’s promises.
Young Children Leader's Guide
This leader’s guide is for children ages 3–5. It contains helpful information for the leader, including information about young children, background information about the practice, a note about supplies, and other helpful information for each session. There are symbols for each activity within the session that allow a leader to see at a glance the type of activity and customize each session for their group of children. Each session includes resource pages and “Practicing the Practice at Home,” which may be copied, printed, or sent out electronically to participants. There are other helpful pieces for young children in the Congregational Guide.
Featured in the Young Children Leader’s Guide:
Be Present (John 11:1–3, 17–21, 28–35)
Hear God’s Promises (Genesis 6–9)
Comfort Others (Matthew 27:55–61)
Share God’s Promises (Matthew 5:1–12)
Series Description
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living is a twenty-seven-unit curriculum based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Written for people of all ages who wish to live out their faith, this new curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now.
