Ecclesiastes 7 is a curious chapter in the Bible; it’s quite contradictory! Death is better than birth. Mourning is better than feasting. Is grief really better than laughter? And, how can the end of something be better than the beginning?

I try to be a positive and optimistic person, so all this talk about sorrow and mourning being good for us doesn't sit well with me. I like to laugh and smile and rejoice with friends. I look forward to family gatherings and reunions where we celebrate new babies and cousins’ accomplishments, all accompanied by lots of food and laughter! But this chapter of scripture begs me to look a little deeper at another side of hospitality that leads us closer to God.

In verses 1 through 13 the author of Ecclesiastes guides us through several Proverbs type sayings focusing on wisdom and folly, joy and sorrow, patience and pride. Many verses emphasize on grief and mourning, but it is all wrapped up with a clarifying statement in verse 14: in the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that no one can discover anything that will come after him.

“This is the day that the Lord has made,� includes happy days and sad days. God created us with a need for connection, and if we put these two ideas together, we can understand that He made us to be there for one another just as much in our grief as in our joy, maybe even more so. Some of the most meaningful moments of relationship in our lives happen in sad, stressful times: a funeral to mourn a loved one, followed by a meal to share memories and celebrate life or an unwelcome emergency that requires impromptu house guests. These times allow for bonds to be strengthened through both adversity and hospitality. Sorrow allows us to let down our defenses, let people in to hold us up and allows God to work through the body of Christ. Holding in our grief prevents us from growing closer to God and growing closer to the ones who care for us. It also hinders our own spiritual growth. Let people love you through your sorrow.

God says it is good to be in mourning together. If you happen to be the one with the opportunity to extend hospitality in these heavy moments, let Him give you the strength and wisdom to walk through the sorrow with your loved ones. Joy or Sorrowâ€"God is good in all of it.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your Goodness. Thank you for being Faithful through every situation. Give me a heart like yours that will be ready to join others in their times of mourning as well as the happy times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Ecclesiastes 7:14 (CSB).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.