It is difficult for anyone when they lose someone they love. It can be even more difficult to watch those that you love struggle with their loss when they do not have the knowledge of the Gospel to help them through their loss.
At times, I don’t give much thought to the fact that merely knowing what happens after we die is a huge comfort to me. Since I was raised in the church, it has always been a part of my understanding of God, His Plan, and What happens after this life. But, for many, they do not have this knowledge and death can seem like a very final, and depressing event. In fact, some people may even lose faith that God even exists when someone that is close to them dies unexpectedly.
Recently, I have been watching some family members deal with these issues. I hurt for them because they were once active members of the church, and although it has been many, many years since they have attended church, I feel sad that this knowledge could be a comfort to them during this very difficult time. Yet, by their own choice, they have left the church for one reason or another, and have most likely lost this comforting knowledge that our lives on this earth is not all that there is. In fact, there is so much more. Death is a part of God’s plan, and it is something that is necessary so that we can return and live with a loving Heavenly Father. Yes, we will miss our family here when we die, and they will also miss us, but this life is a small portion of the big picture. It is just a moment in the Plan of Salvation.
I am grateful that I have this knowledge that this life is not the end. We will live on and we will see our loved ones again.