Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. Acts 8:2
When a life has been well spent and invested in the kingdom of God, admirers show up to pay honor at their home-going to heaven. The godly show up to honor the death of the godly. It is gratitude to God that compels Christ followers to attend the funeral of another faithful brother or sister in the faith. Mourning comforts the one suffering loss and shows appreciation for the loved one’s life. Gratitude shows up to empathize with the shaky souls left behind.
If we are grateful for someone, we show up for the important milestones in their lives. Graduations, school plays, art lessons, surgery, sonograms, athletic events, dance recitals, grandparent’s day, an open house, retirement, or a friend’s big birthday are all events to attend and express support and gratitude. Attendance communicates appreciation. Our body may be weary, but our spirit compels us to be there for those who need us to care. We are motivated by appreciation because of the Lord’s great love toward us. We can’t out-give Christ, but we can express our gratitude to Him by showing up on His behalf.
“So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
Related Readings: Isaiah 30:18; Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 12:15; 1 John 3:16
