Why Do You Think It’s So Difficult to Talk About Death?

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES When You're Hoping for a Miracle

Why Do You Think It's So Difficult to Talk About Death? By Rick Warren — Jul 24, 2016 “No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave” (Psalm 89:48 NLT, second edition). Before you can help anybody who is facing death, you’ve got to deal with the fears you have related to death. Death exposes our hidden fears. When we feel exposed, we typically hide. We’ve been hiding from our fears since Adam and Eve hid from God because of their nakedness. What are the fears that you have related to people who are dying? Maybe you’re afraid you’re going to say the wrong thing. You’re afraid that you’re going to make matters worse. You’re afraid that you’re going to mess up. And as a result, you don’t do anything. I can’t count the number of people I’ve been with as they took their last breath. I’ve watched many, many people die. Let me just put your mind at ease: It is almost impossible to mess it up. They already know they’re dying. Just by being there, you will make a difference. Contrary to TV movies, there are very few “Hallmark” moments when people die. People don’t sit up in bed and say, “I love you!” and then die. It just doesn’t happen that way. There are very few grand statements or bold gestures. Death is really quite ordinary. There’s nothing spooky about it. It’s not weird. It’s not unnatural. People just stop breathing. One moment they’re here, and the next they’re not. The Bible says, “No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave” (Psalm 89:48 NLT, second edition). The biggest mistake you can make with somebody who’s dying is simply not being there because you are afraid. Once you face your fears about death, you’ll be able to help your friends face their own fears when the time comes. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What are your fears related to death? Where do you think your fears come from? Why do you think it’s so difficult for people to talk about death? What does the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ tell us about death? Our Gift: God's Power to Change Your Life Book God is all about changing lives. He can help you through any struggle you’re facing, and take you from where you are to where you want to be. In God’s Power to Change Your Life, Rick Warren lays the groundwork for personal transformation, offering biblical insights on what it takes to become more loving, live more peacefully, develop patience, and have self-control. LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren When You're Hoping for a Miracle teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: ​When You're Running Out of Everything Message 2: ​​​​​​​​​When You Can't See Your Way Clearly Message 3: ​​When You've Come Up Empty Message 4: ​When You Feel You're Sinking Message 5: When A Marriage Has Ended Message 6: ​​When You're Drowning In Debt Message 7: When A Friend is Dying PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2016 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe