How do you explain the death of a woman’s husband to her when he was her whole life? If they’re not a Christian, how to you tell them about God when God heals yet didn’t choose to heal him? That same question applies to those who know Christ. What do you say? What can you say? Let’s face it, there is nothing that you say that will be a salve on the wound. At least not at first. Prayerfully approaching them is a must. Sometimes just sitting with them, holding their hand can be a comfort. Being Jesus to them in their hour of incredible need.
The loss of a loved one can be devastating depending on how close you were to that individual. A sense of deep loss, combined with the fact that you will never see them again on this earth has the potential to drive you into a very deep depression if you let it. Those in that position often don’t have what it takes to mentally, emotionally or spiritually combat depression. A sense of despondency arrives on the heels of the depression. The closer the person was to you the worst it can be. I know some folks who have lost a spouse and simply put never get over the loss. The memory of them lingers, which can be a good thing to a point, but some folks allow that loss to stunt their life to the point where they never feel ready to move on. How do you minister to these folks? Praying for them without them being present can be helpful because prayer is a life blood for the Christian. I say without them being present because depending how fresh the wound is, it only reopens the wound and causes renewed pain when reminded of the loss even through prayer. In person prayer can come at a later date. Be led by the Holy Spirit in that regard.
I remember clearly when my mom passed away way too early in her life. She died of pancreatic cancer at 53 years old. I wasn’t a believer at the time and wasn’t at all prepared for it. Quite frankly, you never know when a life will end so we should always try to make the most of our time with loved ones. I take comfort in the fact that I believe she received Christ before she died. But she died before I received Christ for myself and so when my sister told me I would see her in heaven I flew into a bit of a rage saying I wanted to be with her now. At 24 years of age, I was disillusioned and mad at a God who would take my mother away from me. I had been away at college and not spent all that much time with her. I still miss her but being saved 2 years after her death has helped bring me comfort.
So even when we have no words to say to those who have suffered loss, our presence shows that we care and that can be more than enough. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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