Goodbye Hello

 Some people say "goodbye" while others say "so long" or "see ya later." Whatever the expression, someone is leaving another's presence; however you say it, sometimes goodbyes aren't easy ... even sad. Regarding death of a Believer, God's Word tells us, "Precious [and of great consequence] in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones." (Psalm 116:15). While we [rightfully] grieve when one we love leaves this world, when a Believer dies, we do not mourn "as those who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Furthermore, our goodbye is heaven's hello! Paul writes, "we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). How's that? Because the Believer's true home is with The LORD. Saying goodbye seems to be less hard when we know the person leaving isn't far away and we're fairly certain we'll see them again. It is with full assurance Believers [who remain] will again see those who have gone ahead to glory. I doubt we can rightly imagine what a Saint's Home-Going is like and the greetings that await them there. Let us be comforted and encouraged that our sad goodbyes are heaven's grand hellos.