Death is always hard to deal with, even for people who believe in the resurrection and eternal life. The separation, the sense of things left unsaid, the empty spot, all speak to our hearts. When we are believers and the one who died is a believer, it is easier to deal with. We have the hope.
We still feel the loss.
Sometimes it is hard to encourage someone who has lost a loved one. They might ask, “Will I ever see them again?” If the person who died was not a believer that is a hard one to answer because we don’t like the answer, “I hope not. They are burning in hell. Do you want to burn there too?” That is honest, accurate and indelicate. It is meant to help but will not be listened to with anything but horror.
I think maybe a good way to answer that is to turn it around. We cannot deny the reality of heaven and hell, nor what it takes to get to either but maybe we can approach it a little differently. Focus on the one who has died and probably loved you. Don’t point out your feelings but highlight the feelings of the person who died. How would their love be expressed to you? Don’t ask, “Do you want to go where they are?” but “Do they want you to join them if they really love you?” I don’t think so. Because they love you they want something better for you.
I lost an uncle in the last year who died defiant and rebellious. He even made provision that there would be no funeral services because he was afraid that talk would mention Jesus and hope. I regret his stance but it was pretty clear. Most of my loses have been people who died in the faith. I just got back from the hospital visiting a lady at least ten years younger than me that almost died from heart problems. She is a believer and we could joke about it but she would have been a real loss.
I believe that the Bible teaches that those who die without a faith in Jesus will be separated from God for eternity and be most miserable, to say the least. I believe that those who die in faith will spend an eternity in the presence of God and face unending challenge, variety and joy.
Death is final. Think about the alternatives and choices.
homo unius libri
My own death doesn't bother me; it's the process that concerns me. As for others, it saddens me to say that there are many that I know I won't see again once this life is over. I keep praying for them, though. I've heard preachers say that you can see a huge difference in the funeral crowd of a Christian, compared with that of a non-Christian.
ReplyDeleteI know there is a difference in my attitude at the two type of funerals. Hope and despair have a way of expressing themselves.
DeleteI agree with the idea that it is not dying myself that concerns me. I get the funniest looks from kids at school when I tell them I am ready to go.
Grace and peace.