Grief can be overwhelming. It shakes the foundation of our lives, leaving us feeling lost, confused, and vulnerable. During difficult times, especially when the world feels heavy with anxiety and uncertainty, what we need most is love—real, patient, kind, and compassionate love.

As someone whose purpose is to help increase love and reduce fear, I’ve seen how grief is often made harder by unresolved emotions and a lack of understanding around how to truly support ourselves and others.

We often think of love as something romantic, but real love—the kind that brings healing and hope—is an action. It’s something we do, not just something we feel. It can show up in quiet gestures, compassionate listening, and everyday support, especially in the workplace and our communities.

One of the most powerful teachings on love comes from 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. Whether you follow a faith or not, these words offer practical and emotional guidance when navigating grief.

Let’s explore how these timeless truths can help you move through loss with compassion—for yourself and for others.

What Does Love Look Like in Action?

Love plays a vital role in both our personal and professional lives. It can:

• Strengthen relationships with family, colleagues, and clients

• Create a more inclusive, empathetic work environment

• Encourage open communication and emotional safety

• Support healing and emotional resilience after loss

Whether you're grieving personally or supporting someone else, these expressions of love offer comfort and stability when everything else feels uncertain.

Love Is Patient

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. It takes time, and that time looks different for everyone.

Being patient means allowing space for emotions to surface without judgement. It's about not rushing someone (including yourself) to “get over it” or “move on”. Patience helps us be present with our feelings and others' pain.

Reminder: Time alone doesn’t heal. It’s the loving actions you take over time that help you move forward.

Love Is Kind

Kindness is a healing force. It shows up in gentle words, thoughtful gestures, or simply being there when someone needs to talk—or sit in silence.

Kindness can look like:

• Making someone a meal

• Checking in regularly

• Offering to help with practical tasks

• Listening without trying to fix things

Little acts of kindness go a long way during tough times.

Love Does Not Envy

When you're grieving, it’s easy to feel disconnected from others—especially if life seems to be carrying on happily for them.

Love reminds us to celebrate others without resentment, even when we’re hurting. It helps create a supportive environment where no one has to hide their pain or their joy.

This kind of love fosters emotional safety, where grief can be shared openly without comparison.

Love Does Not Boast and Is Not Proud

True love is humble. It doesn’t seek to prove a point or win an argument.

In times of grief, humility allows us to step back, listen, and honour each other’s experiences—without judgment or ego. It’s about being with, not fixing.

This kind of humility builds trust and deeper connection, especially in teams, families, and friendships.

Love Is Not Self-Seeking

When we love selflessly, we support others even when we’re struggling too. It means showing up for someone in pain without needing to be the centre of attention or expecting something in return.

But here’s the balance: you can’t pour from an empty jug. Meeting your own needs is essential if you want to care for others well.

Selflessness also includes self-care. Love includes you, too.

Love Rejoices in Truth

Grief often brings a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, even relief. Love gives us permission to feel it all honestly.

When we’re truthful about how we’re feeling, and when we create space for others to do the same, we open the door to real healing.

Love honours:

• Honest conversations

• Shared memories

• Tears and laughter

• Saying “I’m not okay” and being met with compassion

Love Always Protects, Trusts, Hopes, Perseveres

This kind of love isn’t fleeting. It sticks around.

It’s the friend who shows up months after the funeral. It’s the colleague who checks in quietly. It’s the family member who doesn’t try to cheer you up but sits beside you through the storm.

Love endures. It offers:

• Protection from isolation

• Trust in the healing process

• Hope for the future

• Perseverance through the hardest days

Love Never Fails

These three words are a powerful reminder that love is the thread that holds us together—especially in grief.

Even when things fall apart, love remains. It doesn’t erase pain, but it does walk beside it.

Let Love Be Your Compass

The words from 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 offer more than comfort—they give us a roadmap for handling grief with grace, empathy, and strength.

You won’t always get it right. None of us do. But every time you choose patience, kindness, humility, or truth, you’re helping yourself—and others—heal.

Let love lead the way. Not just in theory, but in action.

Feeling Stuck in Your Grief Journey?

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If you’re struggling with loss—whether recent or long ago—take a moment for yourself:

👉 Read the article 'Is Unresolved Grief Holding You Back?' and take the free self-assessment quiz

👉 Download the Free Guide: 10 Common Mistakes When Supporting Someone Dealing with Loss

👉 Book a Free Discovery Call

Help is available, and you are not alone.