Love Doesn’t Die

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’”  

Luke 16:22–25 

In Luke 16, Jesus gives what seems to be a real-life account of two men who die and enter eternity. The man in hellish surroundings shows deep concern for his still-living brothers. If possible, he would have returned to earth to urge them to change their lives and turn to God.  

Here’s the lesson: If lost souls can feel and care, how much more those who have died in the faith! Our Christian loved ones who have graduated into glory now live in the presence of the great I AM, the Lord of love. How deeply they must feel, pray, and see! How fervent and ongoing must be their love! After all, “Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Love doesn’t die, and it can’t die, because it cannot fail. Our loved ones may very well love us right now with a holier, purer, and more intense love than they ever did on earth.  

What an awesome thought, Jesus, to remember that I am one with my brothers and sisters who are now with you!  It makes me feel closer to them and to You, knowing You are—at this moment—with the ones who have been so very dear to me. Help me to remember the “great cloud of witnesses” who are watching my life and my progress. (Hebrews 12:1).