First, when someone shares a platitude like “God needed another angel” or “At least he’s in a better place now!” or quotes a bible verse such as  James 1:2, “Consider it all joy, when you encounter trials”, you WILL REACT. You might like hearing it, hate it, or simply not care. All these reactions are reasonable. But I’m focusing on those who don’t like hearing such well-intended offerings from family or friends. And, I’m especially speaking to you if you dislike hearing these sayings and you’re not sure why or feel guilty. 

There are many reasons you may be reacting negatively. First, many people don’t want unsolicited advice. And shallow sayings don’t address your deep emotional pain in a productive way. These messages just remind you of your pain by giving your wounds a good poke. 

And, frankly, some platitudes are just pure nonsense. They don’t even make sense. God does not need another angel. And, if he did, he’d create one. He would not cause a human being to die for that purpose. I remember thinking,but not saying, “I wish he had chosen you instead of my loved one. You’d be a terrific angel.” 

One widow shared the following when told her husband was now in a better place. She responded, “No, he’d be in a better place if he were alive and standing here with me right now. THAT would be a better place.” I suppose she didn’t hear that thought twice from the same person.

While true, bible verses may not apply to your circumstances – like “count it all joy, brothers and sisters, when you encounter trials.” Certainly, losing a dear loved one IS a huge trial. But are you really supposed to count your loss as joy? No. The Bible tells us there are seasons for everything in life “a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Those are two opposing seasons – they are different seasons. Right now, you need a big helping of comfort and time to mourn. You aren’t in the mood for joy right now. That’ll come with time.

Hearing even an appropriate biblical reference for a loss can be mistimed. You may not have ears for it. And, your heart may not be ready for it. But, you will eventually get there. And you may be able to smile at a future time. You’ll know when that time comes.

So, until that time comes, what are you to do when presented with off-putting statements and quotes? First, you can respond directly by saying, “I’m sure you mean well, but I’m just in too much pain to hear that right now.” That approach usually works splendidly, and you’ll feel better for speaking up for yourself. 

Second, for those closest to you, you can write notes or send a group email and tell people in advance explaining what you need and don’t need. You can be as kind as you wish. But, the idea is to share in advance what you need right now and what you don’t need right now, which might include: more patience, more time to myself, and understanding when you want to talk about your loss and when you don’t. You can say, “I don’t need to be fixed, and, besides, you can’t fix me anyway. I’ll let you know if I’m looking for wisdom.”