How to Help the Unsaved Die
A Christian woman asked me what she could do for her father who was not a Christian and who was dying of cancer. Serious thought because I will have to face this problem and so will you. Maybe you are facing it now. I came up with 3 things:
1. Be kind
Dying without Christ is a terrible, frightening experience. Not having the comfort of the gospel leaves one alone to face death. Being helpful and compassionate even to those who refuse Christ is not wasted because Christian love glorifies God in every circumstance.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- Matthew 5:16
2. Pray
For recovery, comfort, repentance, mercy. As a Christian, you are the only one who has access to God in prayer so take advantage of this privilege we have in Christ.
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
- James 5:16
3. Do not give up on urging the person to become a Christian
If the lesson of the thief on the cross teaches us anything, it teaches us that God's love is much deeper than we realize. He is prepared to accept sinners who truly repent at any time. So never stop pleading with them to be saved. Bring them the gospel, right to the end.
Discussion Questions
- Describe the efforts and results you have had in sharing your faith with relatives and friends.
- In your experience have non-believers become more or less interested in religion as they grow older and/or sicker?
- What would you say to comfort someone who has lost a friend or family member to suicide?
- If you had to speak at a funeral of a non-believer what would be the title of your sermon/speech? Why this title?
- What words would you like engraved on your tombstone? Why?