Dealing with the end-of-life care of a loved one can be a challenging and emotionally difficult experience. To bring comfort and understanding, Tim Brooks of HealthKeeperz suggests turning to the Bible for guidance. The following 10 Bible verses provide a Christian perspective on the aspects of hospice care, such as caring for others, perseverance, positivity, and strength.
Caring for Others
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. — James 5:14
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. — Luke 6:31
God instructs his followers to love and care for others, especially when they’re sick. Gather your family together to surround your loved one with prayer, support, and care as they journey through the end-of-life process.
Persevering
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:12
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. — Galatians 6:9
According to Tim Brooks of HealthKeeperz, caregiving is hard work and it may feel impossible to continue sometimes. The Lord tells us to persevere in the face of difficulty and to rely on Him for strength and understanding. Remember that your hard work now benefits your loved one and will be rewarded later.
Staying Positive
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. — Proverbs 17:22
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. — Deuteronomy 31:8-9
When your loved one is dying, the last thing you feel like is being positive, but remember that these are their last moments on Earth. There will be time to grieve openly later, but the time you have now with your loved one is limited.While it is appropriate to grieve and process emotions, it may be beneficial to maintain a positive and supportive presence for your loved one. Additionally, it is important to prioritize self-care by seeking support from avenues such as therapy or grief support groups to manage your own emotions..
Gathering Strength
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. — Isaiah 40:31
Even if you’re not caregiving, having a loved one in hospice care is emotionally daunting according to Healthkeeperz. There’s nothing easy about helping your loved one die with dignity, but these Bible verses can help you remember that God is a source of strength and comfort during difficult times. Take comfort in surrounding yourself with your church family and friends and allow them to support you as you navigate this journey.
Letting Go
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. — Ephesians 4:31
Part of the healing process is letting go, both before and after your loved one’s life ends. You don’t have to take on every burden — home health services like HealthKeeperz are designed to help you provide the best care to your loved one. Let them relieve some of the challenges that having a loved one in hospice brings, so you can focus on spending precious time together.