Goodbyes are tough. You have to say them to people close to you, and the thought of being apart can seem unbearable. You look forward to the next time you see them, and when that happens, your heart is filled with joy. Jesus had to say goodbye to the Disciples right before He went to the cross, and He knew that it would cause grief, but He promised to see them again, and it would be much better. It’s hard to say goodbye.
John 16:22
“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”
Final Instructions
That Last Supper was more than just a dinner. Jesus used that time to give final instructions and prepare the Disciples for life after He left earth. He also said goodbye, and the Disciples were filled with grief. Grief is that feeling of sorrow and that things would never be the same. It was okay for them to feel this way, but Jesus knew it would get better. He was going to see them again, and their hearts would be filled with joy. After the resurrection, He appeared to them multiple times, and He knew He would see them again in eternity.
Moving On
Saying goodbye to a loved one, especially at the end of their life, can be difficult. Moving on after they have left can be even more challenging. Their absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Take heart. God is there to comfort you. He knows your pain and knows how to minister to you. Don’t be afraid to grieve. It is healthy to mourn the loss. Look to Jesus for all the help you need.
It’s Hard to Say Goodbye
It’s hard to say goodbye, but it is not the end. If your loved one was a believer, you will be reunited again in heaven. In the meantime, let the Lord be the joy you need to go forward. God has a plan, and we all play a part. When we say goodbye, it really means see you later.