Why should Christians not sorrow over deceased believers like people who have no hope?

Believers who have died are described as asleep in Jesus, and God will bring them with Him. Therefore, unlike others who have no hope, Christians do not have to worry about a believing loved one who has passed on; they will see them again.

Les explains from 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that Paul did not want the brethren ignorant concerning those who are asleep, so that they would not sorrow as others who have no hope. Les points out that if a loved one has passed on and was a believer, we do not have to worry, because we are going to see them again. The reason given in verse 14 is that those who sleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him. That is the believer’s hope and the basis for not sorrowing like those without hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

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.

How should believers sorrow for loved ones who have died according to Paul?

Paul teaches that believers should not sorrow over loved ones who have died as others who have no hope. Though believers experience the loss of parents, relatives, and friends, their grief must not be like pagans, who fall apart, scream, weep, and wail because they have no concept of what lies beyond death.