The Past Tense

In certain instances, I hate using the past tense.

Allow me to explain. When someone passes away, we typically refer to them in the past tense. We no longer say that they are kind but that they were kind. We no longer say that they have anything but that they had something. We do not say that they will do something but that they had hoped to accomplish these goals.

It makes sense. In an earthly sense, the person who has died is no longer a part of the present, and they will not be a part of the future. But they will always be a part of the past.

Still, it sounds weird, foreign, and unnatural. They should be here with us, but they are no longer. We should be seeing, hugging, and talking with this individual, but now they are physically unable to do so. We think with sorrow of the dreams that were not accomplished and the years they will not get to live as we change our vocabulary to include “he/she was” instead of “is.”

But for the believer, there is hope even in death. If the person who has passed away placed their faith in Christ, they are not confined to the past. In fact, according to God’s Word, they are just as alive in the present with the Lord as they ever have been. Not only this, but in the future we, too, will be with them.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is a passage I have been clinging to recently. It has given rest to my weariness, water to my thirst, and peace to my anxiety. In fact, this section of Scripture ends with a command to encourage one another with these words (verse 18). These verses give us reason to grieve with hope (verse 13). They tell us that since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, through Jesus, God will raise up those who have died (verse 14). On the day of Jesus’ return, the dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are alive. And “we will always be with the Lord” (verse 17 ESV).

This is a day told about not in the past tense but in the future. As believers, we look forward to the day when Jesus calls us to Himself. This includes all of His children; those who have gone before us in death and those who have remained behind in life.

So, when you are shocked by the sudden reality of death and abruptly forced to start using the past tense when talking about a loved one, remember that they will not remain in the past. If they knew Jesus, they are presently with Him and if you know Him too, then in the future, you will be also. Thanks be to God.

But if you do not know Jesus, there is no better time than now to give your life to Him. Partake of His free gift of salvation and enjoy the assurance of eternal life. He is our only hope in both life and death.