Witnessing to the Grieving

How do you witness to those who are grieving over the death of a loved one? Do you use the Law in the same way as you would with anyone? As a pastor I preach at funerals for the unsaved on a regular basis. While I never comment on the eternal destiny of the deceased, I always preach the gospel plainly and use the Law. Is it advisable to do this?

It is advisable to share the gospel whenever and wherever we can. You are wise not to comment on any person’s eternal destiny. We are usually not privy to conversations sinners have with the Lord in the last moments of life. I say “usually” because we were allowed to hear what was whispered between one repentant thief on a cross and Jesus. God only knows how many sinners say, “Lord, remember me…” and Jesus hears them.

When the unsaved lose a loved one they are often open, perhaps for the first time in their lives, to the questions of eternity. So preach to them as though it was your last sermon, and as though it was your audience’s last day on earth.

How do you respond to a devout Catholic whose brother died unsaved? An old high school friend called me about the death of his brother, a devout Catholic who was killed in a motorcycle accident while drunk. My friend believes in praying to saints, Mary (being the mother of all), praying the rosary, purgatory, etc. I didn’t want to hurt him by saying that people who don’t place Jesus first in their lives and who pray to saints and Mary are lost. When he asked me to pray for his brother’s soul in purgatory, I said that I couldn’t pray for his brother but I could pray for him. He became angry and said his brother was trapped in purgatory and needed our prayers to get him out. I told him that wasn’t biblical at all and that our souls go to either Heaven or Hell (no purgatory). As I explained that Jesus died for us so we wouldn’t have to go to Hell and started witnessing with the Law and grace, he ended the conversation and I never heard from him again.

I admire your love and courage. You did the right thing, so don’t be discouraged. Make sure you attempt to stay in contact with your friend. I once had to do something similar with my Catholic aunt (not quite as dramatic as your situation). She said that she had been praying to her dead husband. I told her that he wasn’t omniscient and that she should never speak to the dead. It was very awkward for me, but I had to tell her the truth even though it might be offensive to her. The next day she gave me a check for $1,000, out of the blue. I was very surprised, but delighted, because we had just pulled our three kids out of secular school and were putting them into a Christian school, and the money covered the costs. You didn’t get a check from an aunt, but I am sure you have your Father’s smile.

Adapted From The Blue Book on Evangelism