R.I.P.-620x396RIP. Rest. In. Peace. It’s something we say when someone we love or admire dies. It implies that the person is “in a better place” or “finally at peace”. We say these things to help ourselves mostly. We do not want to imagine that the dearly departed might not be having such a great time in the afterlife. Especially if we know or have grave doubts about that person’s faith.

The bible teaches, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” And Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

These are simple declarative statements that have profound, and in some cases, tragic implications. So let’s remember to not be glib when someone passes and make the mistake of assuming they are “at peace”. For perhaps the pain, sorrow, and hopelessness they sought to escape in this life is now their burden to bear for all eternity.

“…They think of suicide as a quick route to oblivion, an escape. Far from it. It merely alters a person from one form to another. Nothing can destroy the spirit. Suicide only precipitates a darker continuation of the same conditions from which escape was sought. A condition under circumstances so much more painful.”
― Richard Matheson, What Dreams May Come