For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling - if indeed, when we have taken it off we will not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan under our burden, because we wish not to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord - for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:1-8

When someone you know has "passed on" what do you say about them? Do you say they died? Or do you say they are in heaven, and smile inwardly that you too will be there someday? When believers in Christ die here on earth, they are instantly in heaven with Christ. No more pain. No more sadness. No more sin. Only peace. Only joy. Only glory.

We will still grieve when someone we love dies. Grief is life's expression. But beneath it all is an unshakable joy, because we know our loved one is in heaven.

God's children never say goodbye for the last time.

Our Daily Bread - September 25, 2004