Definition:

Death is the enemy of life. It is defined as the act of dying; termination of life. Further, it is the state of being dead.

Brief Explanation:

Issues of death and dying will frequently come up in counseling. Being aware of the common reactions people may have during the dying process and for the bereaved after the loss of a loved one is essential to good counsel and care in general.

Grieving is often misunderstood. It is thoroughly biblical and healthy to grieve, mourn, but if believers, not without hope. That is, we grieve our loss (blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted) but with the knowledge that to be absent in the body is to be present in the Lord. Glib “he or she is in a better place” or “God needed your mom or dad more than you” can be cruel, and are to be avoided. The ministry of presence, listening, empathetically, is the best medicine for one in times of grief. Of course, watch for delayed responses, sometimes years later of unresolved grief. See Grief Relief by Dr. Stan DeKoven.

The Word of God:

Psalm 116:15

“Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His godly ones.”

Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.”

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 11:25,26

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Hebrews 9:27,28

“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.”

1 Thessalonians 4:14

“For if believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”

1 John 3:2

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when he appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.”

Revelation 21:4

“…and  He  shall  wipe  away  every  tear  from  their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”