JOHN CLARIDGE

My condolences go out to the family. I am so sorry too hear of the lost of a dear loved one to this family. Dealing with this situation can be the hardest thing to face. God's word the bible gives heartfelt and true meaning for ones sleeping in death; Revelation 21: 3,4 says: 3  With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4  And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” God also promises a hope for ones to have life again at John 5: 28,29a : Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29  and come out. Visit Jw.org for more encouraging bible truths.

God’s Word realistically shows that it is natural to experience grief when a loved one dies. The faithful patriarch Abraham mourned the death of his beloved wife, Sarah. (Genesis 23:2) David was grief-stricken after hearing that his son Absalom was dead. (2 Samuel 18:33) Even the perfect man Jesus wept over the death of his friend Lazarus. (John 11:35, 36) When a loved one dies, we may experience nearly overwhelming sorrow, but faith in the promises in God’s Word can help us to endure such grief. ‘I have hope toward God,’ said Paul, ‘that there is going to be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.’ (Acts 24:15) We need to have faith in God’s provision for multitudes to be raised to life. (John 5:28, 29) Please visit www.JW.org to learn move about God's promises.