Blessed: It’s Okay to Hurt
Small Group Leader’s Guide: Blessed—It’s Okay to Hurt
Purpose:
Help your group process grief biblically, understand that faith and sorrow can coexist, and experience Christ’s comfort in community.
Supplies Needed:
Bibles (NIV)
Pens/journals (optional)
Tissues (recommended)
List of church care ministries (e.g., GriefShare, DivorceCare)
Opening Prayer (5 min)
Invite God’s presence and comfort for any who are hurting.
Icebreaker (5 min)
“Share a small loss or disappointment you’ve experienced recently (at work, at home, etc.). How did you respond?”
Read the Core Scripture (5 min)
Read aloud:
Matthew 5:4 (NIV):
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”John 11:33-35 (NIV):
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept.”
Sermon Recap (3 min)
Summarize: This sermon teaches that faith and grief can coexist. Even Jesus, full of faith, openly wept. The Bible shows that mourning is not a lack of faith but a part of life and spiritual growth.
Discussion Questions (30 min)
Admitting Pain
Why do you think we sometimes feel pressure to hide our pain, even at church?
What does it mean to you that Jesus wept, even knowing he would raise Lazarus?
Allowing Grief
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 (NIV):
“There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”How can we give ourselves permission to grieve? What does healthy grief look like?
Inviting Others In
Read Galatians 6:2 (NIV):
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”Why is it hard to let others into our pain? How have you experienced comfort from others?
Trusting God in Grief
Read Psalm 62:8 (NIV):
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”How can we pour out our hearts to God honestly? What does that look like in prayer or worship?
Application (7 min)
Invite group members to name (aloud or silently) an area where they are grieving or struggling.
Encourage sharing, but allow silence; don’t force anyone to speak.
Discuss: How can we support each other this week? (meals, calls, prayer, etc.)
Mention support ministries (GriefShare, etc.) for deeper needs.
Closing Prayer (5 min)
Pray for God’s comfort for those mourning and for the courage to be honest before God and each other.
Leader tip:
If someone’s grief is overwhelming or they show signs of deep depression or withdrawal, gently encourage them to connect with a pastor or professional counselor.
Church care resources:
Share how to access church ministries like GriefShare, DivorceCare, and pastoral care if needed.
