Encouragement for the terminally ill

There are times during the process of an illness that the patient will experience "acceptance". During that time they may want to speak frankly about death and about the afterlife. Please listen to them, and discuss whatever is on their mind. If you don't know the answers, ask if you can bring someone who can to speak to them. It is not appropriate to dismiss the person's feelings by saying, "don't talk like that." It's been my experience that people know when the time is near, sometimes down to the day and even if they don't know it doesn't matter because it's what they're experiencing and feeling and want to talk about. Ask them if they want you to read scripture aloud. There are several really encouraging passages for this stage of life.

Therefore we do not lose heart. 

Though outwardly we are wasting away, 

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving 

for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, 

but on what is unseen, 

since what is seen is temporary, 

but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-19 NIV

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not fear or be in dread of them, 

for it is the LORD your God 

who goes with you. 

He will not leave you or forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

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Let's pray for someone we know who is facing a potentially terminal illness. I'll post daily reminders on:
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