Part 5—Saying Goodbye

Answer These Questions

What are some of the things in life we say goodbye too?

What are some of the most difficult goodbyes?

How To Better Cope With Saying Goodbye 1. Acknowledge That Goodbye’s are Often Difficult

2. Accept That Goodbye’s are Part of the Rhythm of Life “ For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born, a time to die…a time to grieve and a time to dance…a time to embrace and a time to say goodbye…a time to keep and a time to

throw away”Eccl. 3:1-6

3. Remember to Say Thank You as a Part of Your Goodbye “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all

people…and give thanks for them.” I Tim. 2:1

4. Remember Most Goodbye’s Are Simply Transitions that God will See You Through “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you, God will never leave you nor forsake you.” Duet. 31:6

We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives…He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them forever into glorious bodies like his own.” Phil. 3:20-21

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God

will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. And the Jesus who was sitting on the throne said, “Look I am making everything new! Rev 21:3-5

Either in your small group or on your own, take some time to

think about and answer the following questions. Remember it is always good to start this

time with prayer. 1. Think again about the questions: What are some of

the things in life we say goodbye too? What are some of the most difficult goodbyes?

2. Why is goodbye so often so difficult to say?

3. What are some important things to remember that will help you better cope with saying goodbye?

4. How can you find hope in the final goodbye of death?

Going Deeper. Read these amazing words from John the beloved disciple. What do they tell you about our final goodbye when we transition from this world to the next?

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away…I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. And the Jesus who was sitting on the throne said, “Look I am making everything new! And then Jesus said to me, “Write this down for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished, I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the the water of life.” Revelations 21:1-6