Yesterday we said goodbye to Sister Carolyn. She has been a faithful member of our Church for many years and we are sad to see her go. We will miss her singing in the choir and seeing her sitting in “her seat” on the front row. She was very quiet and shy, but everyone knows and loves her. After losing her husband, she will move closer to her sister. We don’t want to lose her, but she will be with her sister and continue to be a blessing.
My wife’s cousin just lost her friend and former college classmate. His unexpectedly passing has caused her pain. She mentioned “He was always the kind of person you like bumping into in the hallways” and she was just chatting with him about sports. That she thinks so much of him, says a lot about the young man who died. She sent condolences to his family for their loss, but didn’t mention whether he was saved or not. That makes all the difference now.
You see, someone leaving can cause sadness and joy. It depends on what kind of person they were. If they were a faithful friend, you will be sad to lose them. If they were helpful, you might miss what they do. You might just like hanging around them. You will be sad because of your loss.
The other consideration is where they are going to. If they are going to a wonderful place, you should be joyful for them. That is how it is when Christians die. Our loss can’t be compared to their gain. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV). I am overjoyed when I know a loved one is with the LORD! Yes I will miss having them with me, but they have made it! They are where I want to be. If they died without the LORD, they are in a bad place and nothing can change that.
Wayne Lance (2017)