And They Are Happy

I had the opportunity last week of performing my first marriage as bishop. A wedding is a celebration and I was happy to be a part of it. I was able to search the scriptures and the words of the modern-day prophets to find words of advice and encouragement for the new couple.

Then I thought that I may at some time be in a position to conduct a funeral. I wondered what words of encouragement to give the grieving family. What scriptures might help in that occasion?

I found one this week in the so-called "war chapters" of Alma. It talked about how the army of Antipus was so glad to be joined by the army of Helaman because Antipus' army "had been reduced by the Lamanites because their forces had slain a vast number of our men, for which we have cause to mourn." Then here is the verse that stood out to me in Alma 56:11:

"Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point, that they have died in the cause of their country and of their God, year, and they are happy."

While it is appropriate to mourn when we lose loved ones, as did the Nephites, we too can console ourselves that, the person who died is happy if they lived a righteous life. It also gives me motivation to live a life in the service of God so when the time comes I will be prepared.