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Even if you know that your friend or family member is rejoicing in heaven, you may be grieving that you can no longer spend time with your loved one on Earth.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Bible Verses for Mom or Dad’s Funeral
- Bible Verses for a Brother or Sister’s Funeral
- Bible Verses for a Partner or Spouse’s Funeral
- Bible Verses for Grandma or Grandpa’s Funeral
Here are some comforting Bible verses for you to read and to share with other mourners at a Christian funeral. Hopefully, they will act as reminders that your loved ones no longer suffer any pain and that your grief will lessen over time.
COVID-19 tip:If you chose to use avirtual Christian funeralusing a service likeGatheringUs, you can still recite these Bible verses with your online guests. Coordinate with your planning team and ensure you have the right mics and speakers to accommodate your guests.
Bible Verses for Mom's or Dad's Funeral
The Bible has a lot to say about how to treat your parents. Some of those verses, though instructional and important, may not be the best ones to choose for your mom's or dad's funeral. Here are some verses you may want to consider.
1. Psalm 23
Even non-Christians will recognize the words of Psalm 23. These words are often spoken as the graveside service scriptures at funerals on TV and in the movies. Songwriters have borrowed these words to use as lyrics to popular songs.
Verse four begins, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." These words bring solace not only because of their meaning. They are also comforting because they are familiar.
2. Romans 8: 38-39
Paul wrote in the book of Romans that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Christians take comfort in knowing that God's love is eternal.
3. Romans 6:4
As a result of Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection, deceased believers "may walk in newness of life." This might be especially comforting if your mom or dad was confined to a bed in his or her final days.
4. Isaiah 41:10
You may feel especially alone after losing your mom or dad. You may feel that there's no one looking out after you now that your parents are gone. This verse from Isaiah reminds you that, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
5. Isaiah 66:13
Your mom may no longer be there to comfort you, but this verse proves that God fulfills that role. "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."
Bible Verses for a Brother or Sister's Funeral
Brothers and sisters are your first friends. Losing them is not only difficult, but it may force you to face your own mortality. Here are some quotes from the Bible that may bring comfort.
6. Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
You may need permission to go on with life after you lose someone you love and you may need a reminder that death is a necessary part of life. As there is a "time to be born," there is also a "time to die." It is especially important to realize that there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh" and "a time to mourn and a time to dance."
7. Matthew 11:28-30
Your sibling may have died after a long, painful illness. This verse may remind you that God provides peace and rest for those "weary and burdened."
8. Revelation 21:1-7
John wrote the last book of the Bible based on a vision he received from God. In this verse, he describes a "new heaven and a new Earth." When this vision comes to fruition, death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more.
9. John 11: 23-26
Jesus speaks to Martha in this verse. He says this: "Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." These words are comforting for believers.
10. Romans 6:23
We learn again about the gift of eternal life through Christ from this verse in Romans. It says: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord."
Bible Verses for a Partner or Spouse's Funeral
Perhaps you know which verses were special to your spouse or partner. If so, choosing the verses to use at your loved one's funeral will be simple. Otherwise, here are some appropriate options for the service.
11. 2 Corinthians 7-10
Perhaps your loved one wanted to use his or her funeral as a platform to teach others about the love of Christ. This verse spells out the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. It may help people understand what needs to be done to become a Christian.
12. Psalm 31: 9-10
You may realize how difficult it is to suddenly make decisions on your own when you lose your spouse. You may be overwhelmed with the choices you need to make right now. This verse can act as a prayer. Share with God how your soul and body is in distress and grief, and ask God to give you solace.
The verse reads: "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also."
13. Psalm 119:28
Even though Christians believe in the promise of the afterlife, they still feel grief, pain, and torment. If you recently lost your spouse, ask for God to give you peace by saying, "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."
14. Psalm 30:5
Even though you will grieve the loss of your spouse, there may come a point when the pain is more bearable. Everyone's timeline is different, but the Bible promises that "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
15. John 14:1-3
This often-quoted verse reminds us that there are many rooms in God's house and that a place is being prepared in Heaven for all believers.
Bible Verses for Grandma or Grandpa's Funeral
Grandpas and grandmas are special. Even if your grandparent lived a good, long life, it’s hard to say goodbye. Here are some Bible verses about death and salvation that you may want to use at the funeral.
16. Psalm 92:14
Your grandma or grandpa may have been an active member of the church until the very end. If so, celebrate the work that he or she completed. This verse reads: "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green." If this describes your loved one, you have reason to celebrate.
(If you would like to know more about what the Bible says about the aging process, check out our list of Bible verses on aging.)
17. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
It’s a Christian's destiny to obtain salvation through Jesus. Sometimes this is hard to remember. In 1 Thessalonians, Christians are instructed to encourage one another and build each other up.
18. Revelation 2:10
Your grandma may have suffered before death took her. It may give you solace to know that since she was faithful, she has been given a "crown of life."
19. Psalm 46:1-10
The book of Psalms is often used as funeral scriptures. This verse, in particular, tells us to "be still and know that I am God." If you are a Christian, this verse can offer you peace.
20. Revelation 14:13
Did your grandfather work hard his entire life? This verse in the last book of the Bible says that he can finally "rest from his labors."
21. Psalm 6:6
Some people feel alone in their grief. They may see how others seem unfazed by death and wonder why they feel such pain. This verse reminds us that you are not alone if you feel deep grief and sorrow. Others before you have been "worn out from sobbing."
What is the Best Funeral Scripture?
There is not one perfect funeral scripture. In fact, there are so many promises of salvation in the Bible that you may have a difficult time narrowing it down to one chapter and verse.
The best funeral should fit the situation. If your loved one suffered a long time before dying, you might choose a verse that celebrates how he or she is no longer in pain. If your loved one was always quick to share the word of God with others, you might want to share verses about discipleship. If the death of your loved one was particularly painful for survivors, choose verses that refer to the peace that surpasses all human understanding.
If you aren't sure which text to choose, talk with your family members and the officiant who will speak at the funeral about Bible verses for funerals. Funerals are not "one size fits all." Find the best verse for the situation so your loved one's funeral service is particularly meaningful.
Sources
- The Bible. www.bible.com/
