The Truth About Grief

Grief touches every human life, but Scripture reveals that grief and mourning are not the same. In this sermon, Dr. Rocky Ramsey explains that grief is the inward experience of loss, involving emotions as deep as suffering (Proverbs 10:1; Psalm 119:28) and even anger (Job 6:2). Mourning, however, is the outward expression of that grief (Genesis 23:2; 37:34).

Pastor Rocky explores why grief may remain with us throughout life, while mourning must eventually end (Ecclesiastes 3:4). He reminds us that not all losses are the same, not all people grieve alike (Proverbs 14:10), and grieving itself is a normal response—even Jesus grieved (Matthew 26:38; John 11:35).

We are warned against destructive grieving such as denial, imploding, or obsessing over our pain. Instead, Scripture calls us toward healing through tears and honest community (Revelation 21:4; James 5:16). We’re encouraged not to judge how others grieve, nor expect them to fix our own pain. And while grief may remain, mourning must eventually give way to forward movement—choosing not to let our loss cause others to lose us (Proverbs 24:16).

Ultimately, grief reminds us to build our lives around the One we cannot lose.