Those who go out weeping, will return with songs of joy. … For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. … No one should be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. … I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. … The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. … He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.

He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces. … He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. … We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Ps 30:5; Ps 126:6, 2Co 4:17, 1Th 3:3-4, Jh 16:33; Ps 17:15, Ro 13:12, 2Sa 23:4; Is 25:8, Re 21:4, 1Th 4:17-18

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.