What to Say to the Dying
The only thing worse than his diagnosis was having to tell his friends and family about it. He could already hear the conversation: “Surely there’s something they can do. Some trial or special homeopathic remedy they don’t know about.” And yet he knew that, apart from a miracle, he was poised to meet his Maker far sooner than he had ever imagined he would.
It’s interesting that though we all know we will die one day, we don’t like to acknowledge the reality of death in our lives. And when we witness someone walking close to that great divide, we don’t know what to say. We are so geared for keeping things going on this side of life.
As believers, though, the approach of death can open a door for great discussion. What has God promised for those whose faith rests in Him? What are the blessings that lie ahead? And how can those left behind pick up the mantle of ministry our loved ones will leave behind?
By the power of the cross, death is not life’s final blow. It’s the doorway into the life of Paradise and promise awaiting every believer. Let’s walk with our family and friends through the shadows of death, knowing our Savior is leading the way to life eternal.
Life-Giving Words for the Dying
The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 JOHN 5:12–13
With Jesus as our Savior, we face even death with confidence. To live is Christ, but to die is gain!
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And He said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” LUKE 23:42–43
If our current world is this beautiful still under the curse of sin, imagine what Paradise will be like!
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” JOHN 14:1–3 NKJV
It’s no wonder Jesus chose carpentry as an earthly trade. It’s His divine occupation, too! He’s building an incredible place for us all to be together.
So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. HEBREWS 10:35-36
God’s will is that you keep believing Him. He has seen all that you’ve done in His name, and He will reward you when you reach our home in heaven.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8:38–39
Nothing you have done or will do can change God’s love for you. You are permanently and forever His child, with whom He is well pleased.
