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Comfort From the God of PeaceThe Watchtower—1986 | October 1
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12. What real comfort may we have when a loved one dies, and from what source?
12 Paul says: “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping in death; that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
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Comfort From the God of PeaceThe Watchtower—1986 | October 1
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14 Paul here writes “concerning those who are sleeping in death.” Yes, “sleeping.” A person who is sleeping is not conscious of anything and is not able to perform any works. (Compare Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.) There was an occasion during Jesus’ ministry when he said that Lazarus had “gone to rest” and that he, Jesus, would “awaken him from sleep.” When Christ’s disciples did not understand those words, “Jesus said to them outspokenly: ‘Lazarus has died.’” Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, were comforted by the hope of the resurrection, and Jesus brought them further comfort. But how their faith must have been fortified when Jesus raised his friend, already dead for four days, from the sleep of death!—John 11:11-14, 21-25, 43-45.
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