03/20/2026
If youāve been to a funeral, youāve heard, āHeās in a better placeā, āHe looks so peacefulā. āWhy did God take her so soonā, āItās all part of Godās planā, āAll things work together for good those love Godā, etc.
These statements suggest that what happened was good. But all they know is the person they loved is dead. None of the statements really help.
Time moves on and interestingly, some of the very people who rejected the āheās in a better placeā comments turned around and offered those same words to others in future years.
I get it, some people find a need to say something. But sometimes people just need a silent hug or I love you.
You also donāt want to be part of providing false security. If you grow up believing in heaven and hell maybe telling a non believer that āheās in a better placeā is lying.
One thing for certain is, they will be grieving. And that process is different for everyone. Let them take their time. When the time is right, take them out for lunch and just listen. The worst thing you can do is make it about yourself.
We canāt make our friends not suffer. We can be sure that they donāt suffer alone.
By the time we get to a funeral, talk about what the person did well ā what they enjoyed in life. One of the best things we can do to begin the process of recovery is to remember the good times, the accomplishments, and the milestones.
Every one of us makes an impact on this world, to one extent or another. That impact continues long after we die.
Death is also a reminder that we never know how long our lives will be. Celebrate life and each other.
One final note, death has a way of confronting our own mortality. It is good to dig in and see what the Bible says about the subject. Thereās nothing to be scared of, the gospel is good news.