If we believe in an afterlife, is it rational for us to grieve over the death of a loved one?

[Reuben_J]

No, I never meant to imply that there was anything wrong with grieving at the death of a loved one, but I just began to wonder if it was rational if we really believe in an afterlife. When I recently found out that one of my first girlfriends had died, I felt torn to pieces, but now I feel joyful for her!

Not sure about the rational part. As human beings, we have emotion - we can feel sad and happy. It is not always black and white. We feel sad when we miss someone we loved; we feel happy for his/her happiness.

If he/she dies, we feel sad. On the other hand, we feel happy because our belief dictates that he/she will be in heaven with the Father God by virtue of his/her faith and Baptism.

John 16, Jesus speaks about him leaving (in his death) the disciples. They would be sad at that moment but will be filled with joy when they would meet him again. He likens it to the pain of childbirth and the joy when the child is born.

…20Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.…