An Accurate Reflection: Grief Devotional

An Accurate Reflection

By Elizabeth M. Thompson 

There is no one righteous, not even one. Romans 3:10

 

All of us have sinned. We have no claim of righteousness apart from the righteousness of Christ, imparted to us by faith.

 

Somehow when a loved one dies, we can lose our perspective and begin to think of our beloved as someone who was perfect. Our grief shields us from the memories of the things our loved one said or did that were far from righteous—a selfish attitude, a painful sin or even an annoying habit. Our minds trick us and for a time we cannot remember any imperfections.

 

For most grievers, this time quickly passes and is replaced with a more balanced perspective, a more accurate picture of our loved one, complete with flaws. When a griever is stuck believing only good things about their loved one, the griever is in danger of idolizing the deceased.

 

Lord, help me to have an accurate perception of my beloved. Remind me of the good and the not-so-good parts so that I might grieve the truth and not create a false image of him. Help me to see perfection in you alone. Amen

Comments

[Darlene Franklin]

Elizabeth, Thanks for commenting on my blog today. I loved my Jolene dearly, but she was far from perfect. Doesn't take away from my grief--it sounds like you understand.