SHARING JESUS' LOVE WITH SOMEONE WHO IS TERMINALLY ILL   

Melody Rossi saw God work in the hearts of three close family members who were terminally ill.  When she had nearly given up hope that they might believe in the Lord, she was amazed to find their hearts softened to the gospel message.  As the dying process progressed, they began to look for answers that their lives hadn't produced. 

All three family members died within a span of 28 months.  Although Melody had the assurance that they were now with the Lord, it was still a devastating experience to go through.  Melody has written a book to help others know what to say - and what not to say - to someone who is terminally ill.  May I Walk You Home? A Guide to Sharing Christ's Love With the Dying stresses that there are loving natural ways to share Jesus with unsaved friends or family members who are facing death - and ways that are not appropriate or sensitive to the situation.

When her dad suffered a stroke, for example, Melody spent many hours with him in the hospital.  In the past, he had not been interested in her faith, but now he started to ask questions about God.

"My father had been scrutinizing my every move, curious as to whether my concern for him had strings attached," she writes.  "Because I met him on his terms and showed up simply to love him, he was eventually satisfied I could be trusted."

If you know someone who is terminally ill, here are some things to say - and not to say:

• Don't give pat answers. ("I'm sure everything will be fine.")
• Don't monopolize the conversation; listen to what your loved one says.
• Do proceed carefully.
• Gather rather than dispense information.
• Choose your words carefully and make sure you come across as nonthreatening.

Melody recommends proceeding carefully when someone gently opens the door to conversation about the Lord.  "This requires a great deal of respect, reverence, and restraint in order to avoid shutting down the conversation altogether," she says.  "Ask God to give you a gentle demeanor and help you recognize the real issues in your loved one's heart."

For more information: May I Walk You Home?, by Melody Rossi, Bethany House Publishers.

Reprinted with permission by IntegrityNotes.Com