When we were young, death was an abstract concept to many of us. We were unfamiliar with it beyond holding a ceremonial funeral and burial for a pet goldfish or hamster. As we grew older, deaths of family members or friends we loved made it very real to us. Without the proper perspective, death could frighten us and leave us feeling empty, but God’s Word to us about eternal life fills the void and gives us hope.

Whether the death of our loved one happens suddenly or it’s something we’ve expected for months, it still hurts. Separation is painful when we’re left behind in this life and they move on to the next. At the time, this separation may seem permanent, but it’s not. When we believe in the power of the resurrected Jesus, we realize this separation is only temporary. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3, NKJV).

God’s love and mercy is so great, He refuses to leave us alone in our pain. He gives us promises from which we can draw encouragement, and He reveals the truth about life after we leave this world. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Revelation 21:4, 5, NIV). Our loved ones’ old, imperfect, earthly life is gone, replaced by a new, perfect life in heaven. This new life is peaceful and joyful because it’s lived in the presence of God, Himself.

Some people question whether life after death is real. Before Jesus went to the cross, death was the ultimate unknown. However, after Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected death was no longer to be feared because it had been conquered. “Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57, NLT).

Our faith and trust in what God tells us comforts us because we know it’s the truth. This life here on earth is not all there is. There is much more, and Jesus promises those who believe in Him that a life with Him is their ultimate destination. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). We can take heart in the knowledge that when we pass from this life into the next, not only will we be reunited with those we love, but we’ll come face-to-face with God.