15 Comforting Bible Verses For Death of a Loved One
I lost my best friend…my mother…to cancer when I was 23 years old. My world was shaken. Well-meaning friends and family tried to comfort me with their words of sympathy, but I still just felt so lost.
Words truly seem to fall short when a loved one encounters death. Your first reaction when someone you love dies may not be to turn straight to the Bible. But, the One who wrote The Word is the only One who can heal our hearts. There are countless Bible verses for death of a loved one that can breathe life and comfort into any situation.
I’m so thankful that even in death, we serve a living God whose truths and promises can bring peace to our minds and healing to our souls. Allow these verses to soak into your mind, letting the Lord comfort you with His promises of joy to come.
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Ways Bible Verses Dealing With Death Can Be Used to Comfort in Times of Loss
Whether you are the one who has lost someone close to you or you are offering solace to someone experiencing loss, there are many ways to use Bible verses for comfort in loss. Utilize scripture to really sink into your heart to allow healing to begin.
5 ways to use Bible verses dealing with death and loss to bring comfort to grieving hearts:
- Affirmation cards
- Sympathy cards
- Scripture meditation
- Speaking scripture aloud
- Creation of artwork
Affirmation cards
Now more than ever you need a constant reminder that God is with you, and He is for you. He is working all things for your good. Affirmation cards can be filled with comforting verses to put on display or carried with you so you are continually filling your mind with the Lord’s promises.
Sympathy cards
When my mom died, co-workers and friends put together a big box of cards for me filled with sweet messages. It was comforting to know that I was surrounded by people who cared about me and were supporting me through that time. Sympathy cards with scripture are a great way to show you care without being too intrusive in such a delicate time.
Meditating on Scripture
The enemy knows when we are vulnerable and weak. This is why we have to keep our mind primed and strong against his attacks. Meditating on scripture allows us to truly ingrain the word of God into our hearts. Also, if we are constantly meditating on verses it can allow us to block out unwelcome thoughts and questions surrounding a person’s death.
Speaking Verses Out Loud
Speaking the word of God out loud holds so much power to changing atmospheres, attitudes and situations. Find what feels best for you, but make a commitment to speak bible verses out loud over the circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one and watch how the Lord uses it to work in your life.
Create Artwork
If you are creatively inclined, taking time to slow down and thoughtfully create an art piece using comforting verses can offer healing. Once it’s complete, set it on display as a visual reminder.
Now more than ever you need a constant reminder that God is with you, and He is for you.
Comforting Bible Verses for Death of a Loved One
The Bible is filled with healing verses for any situation and any type of death and loss. Use these scriptures for grieving families to offer comfort and support, praying that the Holy Spirit may intervene.
Scripture for Loss of a Mother
As someone who has personally experienced the loss of the one who gave me life, it’s tough beyond words. Allow these Bible verses to guide you through grief and ask the Holy Spirit to fill your mind with precious memories of your mom.
- Isaiah 66:13 – As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
- Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Bible Verses for Loss of a Father
Losing any parent, although many of us will experience it in our lifetime, is never easy. Use these verses to keep your mind strong as you navigate all the challenges that may come.
- Isaiah 41:13 – For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
- Revelation 14:13 – And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
We serve a living God whose truths and promises can bring peace to our minds and healing to our souls.
Scripture for Loss of a Child
It is truly unfathomable to me to imagine losing the life of a child that I carried and gave birth to. Sadly, it happens far too often in this wicked and fallen world that we live in. But the Bible offers so much hope and promises joy if we allow Him to work all things for our good. Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you so you can begin experiencing joy through healing.
- Psalms 34:18 – The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
- Psalms 73:26 – My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
- Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Bible Verses for Loss of Husband or Wife
Know that there is not a right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a spouse. At the same time, allow the Lord to work in your heart to bring healing. Remember these verses when you begin to feel empty and lonely.
- Psalms 61:2 – From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
- Isaiah 58:11 – And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
- Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For more help growing in your walk with God, you’ll want to be sure to check out all these Practical Ways to Get Closer to God Today!
Bible Verses for Death of a Friend
Grief often comes in waves, with joyous memories scattered in between. When your emotions start to feel rocky, let these verses stabilize you and ground you.
- Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
- John 16:22 – And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
- Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Grief often comes in waves, with joyous memories scattered in between.
More Resources for Comfort in Times of Loss of Loved Ones
Friend, are you in need of comfort from the loss of a loved one? You are not alone. Others who have experienced what you are feeling have been used of God to share how He got them through the roughest of days. And how you, too, can have hope even in the darkness.
You might like to check out these resources for comfort and guidance through this time.
- 365 Days of Prayer for Grief and Loss – Comforting Devotional Book for Those Who May be Grieving or Dealing with Loss
- Standing on the Promises: 365 Daily Assurances of God’s Love, Care, and Guidance
- Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart
- The Source Of My Strength Relying On The Life-changing Power Of Jesus Christ To Heal Our Wounded Hearts
Use this beautiful FREE printable coloring note page to write out any of these comforting Bible verses for death of a loved one. Or, use it to write a letter to your loved one expressing all you’d like to share with them. Or, write a letter or prayer to God pouring out your heart to Him.
Click the image to download.
Death is final, but it doesn’t have to be the end. There is so much hope and so much joy to be found in a relationship with Jesus. Turn to His word allowing scripture to help with grief as you are navigating through all the emotions that come along with losing the life of a loved one.
About the Author – Shelbi Collins
Shelbi Collins lost her own mother when she was 23 years old. This propelled her into her calling, supporting other mothers physically and spiritually through her blog, Mothers Milk.