Sorrow...with hope? I Thess 4:13

but I do not want you to be ignorant [or uninformed], brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow [or grieve] as others who have no hope. 1 Thess 4:13

This is the reason Paul informs, clarifies or reminds them and us, about the rapture or catching away of the church, and that those who have died will be caught up with us to Jesus. But, where do I put the comma?

Some versions put a comma after sorrow or grieve. This could suggest that we should not grieve death, only those who do not have hope grieve death. Some would suggest that death our friend, bringing us into God's presence. Other versions have no comma, we should not grieve in the same way as others. We still grieve, have loss, but it is loss mingled joy because of our hope. Hope that assures us the one dead or sleeping is already in the Lord's presence. That the body lain lovingly to rest will be raised first, and be caught up with us.

Death is not a friend. Because of death each of us know sooner of later the loss of a loved one. Jesus himself wept outside Lazarus's tomb even knowing, that He would soon raise him. Death is the last enemy Jesus will destroy in resurrection.

Is it okay then to grieve? Is it good to "weep with those who weep" (Rom 12:15)? But can we sorrow or grieve in Hope?

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