Dying Without Fear By Pete BriscoeSample

What To Say When A Loved One Is Dying

But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story… —C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

Have you ever wondered what to say to a loved one who is dying? It’s a sacred moment in time as he or she faces the unknown. What words can we share?

Consider sharing Psalm 22. Talk about how Jesus was the last of God’s children to face death alone. Talk about how He’s the pioneer of salvation—cutting a path through death to glory. Speak of Jesus’ own temptation to fear death. And then talk about the transition in Psalm 22 from Jesus’ cry for help to His anticipation of life with His brothers and sisters.

Open Hebrews and share the promise in 2:18:

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Encourage your loved one to call for Jesus’ help. The only One who can go through death with us is the only One who has gone through death already. Jesus has experienced it and returned to tell us there is hope.

And so, if we are alive in Christ, He will walk us through death. When our moment comes to face death, we won’t be alone. He will be with us.

Jesus, because of life’s highs and lows and drama, I sometimes forget it’s not the main act. Speak words of grace and peace through me to all my loved ones who are dying. May I remind them of Your hope. Amen.

Reflection:

1. Am I afraid of dying? What is it about death that frightens me?
2. Do I trust the path through death that Jesus has carved? Am I willing to accept His invitation to follow?

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