Humble Christian

Anyone that has experienced the loss of a loved one by death knows that there isn't much you can say to comfort them during their mourning stage. It's natural to mourn but can anyone think of any scripture that may help. You know something that deals with the beauty of death and the life afterwards.

I'm looking for scripture that can apply to both the faithful and nonbelievers.

I have had two friends loose a parent in the last month but I'm not sure if their respective parent were/are Christians so I don't want to send them quotes from the bible that end up making them think their mother or father won't be going to heaven, that wouldn't help anything.

I'm looking for comforting scripture quotes that deal with loss and or death. Maybe something about death just being the beginning of a new eternal life...etc.

Thanks for any help friends....Blessings....

Housesitter

Having been a professional psychologist running a Christian Counseling ministry for many years may I caution you about just having a set of scriptures to dole out. I have had to put together too many folk whose faith has been damaged in this way.
Do not misunderstand. I believe that God can and indeed does use scripture to bring comfort but when someone is mourning they do not want pat answers. They want to know that you are there for them. That you care about them. That God loves them. Frequently more is accomplished by just sitting with someone who is morning than trying to offer answers. As you spend time with them and pray for them (even when you are not with them) the Lord will bring appropriate scriptures to mind. Those are the ones to share.
I hope this helps. Bereavement counseling is a specialist area of ministry but we can all show genuine love and concern for those who are mourning.

__________________
Ray
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Pastor Gary

As mentioned by others, quoting scripture to a person who is grieving is not a good idea in most cases unless it is specifically requested. Caring, understanding and a shoulder to lean on is the best way to comfort those who have lost a loved one. However, there are scriptures that do apply to the funeral of a Christian that can be used within the funeral ceremony to add to the comforting of the family.

Scripture that can be used during a Christian funeral include -

John 11:25-26 (KJV)

Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 (KJV)

John 14:1-6 (KJV)

2 Corinthians 5:1-8 (KJV)

and Psalm 23 (KJV)