If our greatest fear is death, we can know that through Christ, death is not to be feared at all. He has conquered death for those who have trusted in Him. When our loved ones pass away, yes, there is an empty void left in our hearts that may ache for the rest of our own lives. Yet, if they have assured us that they had found hope in Christ, we can know that they continue to live. They will no longer be experiencing pain, nor grief, nor harm. We have reason to rejoice, despite our grief. But what about those who haven't proclaimed their faith in Jesus? Do we need to despair? Absolutely not. We are not to judge. We also do not know the final conversation that God had with them in their final moments of life. It is God who speaks to our hearts. But why leave your loved ones guessing? If you have found Christ, let it be known. If you haven't, maybe now's the time:
29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (Acts 16:29-34, NIV)