1 Corinthians 15: An Easter StudyНамуна

Hope Through Death

Death has affected my life in different ways, but, as I entered marriage, I realized that Venezuelan culture and what my family taught me have most influenced how I approached death and suffering. For example, I learned growing up that we should be happy no matter what, even in hard circumstances, because there is always something to be encouraged about.

Has anybody ever slapped you with a statement like that in the middle of a crisis or while you are grieving? It is as unhelpful as it is irritating.

Imagine being a deep feeler and being married to someone with this lack of sensitivity. Well, that was my wife, Kayla, with me early in marriage. Sadly, when my wife was 17, she lost her mom. The devastation and theological confusion of this kind of loss have been ongoing struggles in her life. Over time, I have learned some sensitivity and empathy, and we have started to have deep conversations about her traumatic past.

Paul affirms that God has dealt with death—our biggest enemy—through the Resurrection (verses 25-26). Nevertheless, this does not mean we use this magnificent truth to minimize times of crisis. Theological insights, as powerful as they are, can be confusing and potentially more painful when loved ones are suffering. I hope to continue to grow in my empathy, giving encouragement, and being someone who sits with my family and friends through their pain in the face of life’s decay.

We should ask then, what are these verses in 1 Corinthians 15 for?

We can find comfort in knowing God has defeated death and its consequences while we are in the middle of any life circumstance. But I contend that the primary purpose of this confidence in the work of Christ’s resurrection is to get us ready to face hardships, so we don’t lose heart altogether in those times.

Grieving and dealing with hard circumstances are complicated processes and part of our reality on this side of heaven. But we know we are not utterly crushed and hopeless because He has risen. Furthermore, Christian hope is based on truth and power. We let it fuel our faith while not pretending life at its hardest does not disrupt how God intended it. As we digest the effect of sin on this world, there should be space for tears and sadness and perhaps times of not feeling like being happy.