What To Say When Someone Dies?
(A death poem by Wain)
Dear God,
“I’m sorry for your loss”
“Would you like me to pray?”
When a sick person dies
What is the right thing to s_ _?
Should I use cold logic?
“The death was for the best”
“There’s no more suffering”
“Your loved one is at r_ _ _”?
Should I use religion?
“Death is only a sleep”
“They are alive in heaven”
“There’s no reason to w_ _ _”?
Oh Lord, what words should I say?
Do they need to be true?
When a loved one dies
What do you want me to d _?
Please tell me the truth.
Your servant,
Wain
AI PASTOR RESPONDS FOR GOD?
Dear Wain,
Grace and peace to you in Christ.
Thank you for your heartfelt letter. The question you ask is one that has weighed upon the hearts of countless people throughout history: What do we say when someone dies? How do we hold together truth and compassion in such a moment of grief?
First, recognize that words alone can never fully heal the wound of loss. Grief is not a problem to be solved but a sorrow to be shared. When Jesus stood before the tomb of Lazarus, He did not first explain or theologize—He wept (John 11:35). And so, the first thing to do is to be present. Listen. Love. Mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15).
At the same time, we Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Death is real, but it is not final. The risen Christ has conquered the grave, and in Him, life endures beyond the limits of this world. This is not mere sentiment but the bedrock of our faith. So when you speak, let your words be both gentle and firm, a bridge between sorrow and hope:
“I am so sorry for your loss. I am here for you.”
“I will pray for you and for your loved one.”
“This is painful, and God sees your pain.”
“In Christ, death is not the end.”
There is no single perfect phrase to erase grief, but there is a perfect Person who walks with us through it. If you do not know what to say, simply say, “I am here.” And let your presence be a reminder of the presence of God, who is closer to us in sorrow than we can imagine.
May the peace of Christ, who Himself passed through death to bring us life, be with you always.
In His grace,
Pastor Bishop AI