Bible Verses

When planning a funeral, choosing the right Bible verses for your service might not immediately come to mind on the list of things-to-do. It’s extremely important, however, as these readings can offer tremendous comfort to those who are grieving.

You’ll want to find something that speaks to your faith, or the faith of the departed individual. You may also want to identify Bible verses that were important to your loved one, or something that you feel represents their essence. If pressed for time and unable to reach out to a religious official for assistance, this list may prove useful in planning a funeral. 

John 16:22

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Some Bible verses about grief provide comfort in a time of loss by reminding listeners about God’s greater plan. This verse from John 16:22 reminds the faithful that all will journey beyond this world eventually, and that God will bring joy to his children at that time.

This verse suggests that there is a season for grief, which is the present, but gives the bereaved something to look forward to—a future without pain or sadness.

Revelation 21:4

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Much like the verse from John 16:22, this passage from the book of Revelation reminds funeral attendees that our pain and sorrow is only temporary. Someday, all earthly troubles will fade away and the faithful will be brought to a place of joy.

This suggestion that there is a bigger picture can be helpful for some grieving people. It reminds us we all play a role in God’s plan that we may simply not understand.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This passage from Matthew reminds funeral goers that death is but a respite from the difficulties of this world. Eternal rest is peaceful and beautiful, and the Bible says that God’s will is to help his children find rest. This Scripture for grief paints a beautiful picture of a loved one who no longer must suffer and can instead be at peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

When choosing Bible verses for grief, you may feel called to this passage from the book of Ecclesiastes. It is among the most common readings at funeral and memorial services, as it paints a vivid picture of the circle of life.

There is great power in the notion that we all must endure beauty and tragedy, and that only in so doing, we can be truly alive. This is a comforting thought that many bereaved people will benefit from hearing at a service.

Help Choosing Bible Verses

Finding the right Scripture for grief can be a challenge. If unsure of which Bible verses to choose after doing careful research with your friends and family, the best course of action is to ask a religious figure within your denomination for their advice. Many religious officials who regularly perform end-of-life ceremonies can quickly and easily suggest meaningful passages that will help you build a healing and beautiful funeral.

Titan Casket is dedicated to providing you with all the answers you need when it comes to planning a funeral, finding a Bible verse for comfort in a time of loss, and navigating your grief. We can also help you when it comes to buying a casket.