Death is an enemy. The Bible calls it the last one that shall be destroyed. For Christians, however, the sting of death is removed.

Heaven awaits the soul.

Resurrection awaits the body.

Rapture awaits all Christians living at the time of the Lord’s return, at which time they will be caught up to meet Christ and will be taken to heaven. That fortunate generation will not experience physical death but will be changed in a moment: “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment. in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (I Corinthians l5:51, 52).

Rivers of tears have been shed because of losing loved ones in death. This is not wrong — it is normal. God has wisely equipped us with the capacity for weeping when we sorrow. Jesus wept at a grave. Still, Christians need not sorrow in the same way as those who are without hope.

Though grief is to be expected because of separation, we have the assurance that our loved ones are in heaven. Beyond this, at the return of Jesus, the resurrection will take place and there will be a glad reunion.

If your heart is heavy because you have recently been touched by sorrow, comfort one another with these words.