We often hear Christian people say that deceased loved ones are watching over them, taking care of them, smiling down on them, or sending them signs. The Bible doesn’t specifically have much to say about this topic, but there are several clues in Scripture that seem to show that this is not true.
1. He will not return to me.
In 2 Samuel, we see David, a distraught father who has lost his only child. He has been fasting and praying that God might spare his son’s life, but when the child passes away, David makes this statement:
But, now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me. (2 Samuel 12:23)
David shows here that the child is now gone, never to return to this Earth. He talks about how they will one day be reunited in Heaven, but until that time, David indicates that they are separated. He does not seem to expect the child to leave him signs of any kind or to be a presence in his life.
2. Present with the Lord.
In 2 Corinthians 5:8, the Bible tells us that when we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord. In other passages we get glimpses of what being in the presence of the Lord might look like. Isaiah and Revelation both paint vivid pictures of the singular focus of those in Heaven, as they gather round the throne of God singing an eternal song of worship and praise, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
There is no indication in these descriptions of Heaven or any other place in Scripture that those in Heaven are involved in or cognizant of the things that are happening on Earth. Although some claim that the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1 indicates that our loved ones are watching us, John MacArthur explains why this passage doesn’t support that idea:
The witnesses in that verse are not modern-day loved ones, but the faithful saints in Hebrews 11 who lived victorious lives by trusting God. Those saints are witnesses to us because their lives testify about the value of trusting God no matter what hardships we face. They are active witnesses who speak to us by their example; not passive witnesses who watch us with their eyes.
Hebrews 11 shows how the great fathers of the faith lived out that faith. Their stories witness to us about trusting God, and they are the witnesses mentioned in verse 12:1. These aren’t our loved ones witnessing what we do, but Abraham, Isaac, and others whose lives witness to us.
3. No tears in Heaven.
In Revelation 17:7 and 21:4, we read that in Heaven God will wipe away every tear: “There will be no more death or tears or crying or pain.” If our loved ones can look down on this tragedy-filled world and watch us struggle through it, watch us lose people we love, watch us make mistakes that grieve God, how can they be without tears? How can they exist with no pain if they are aware of or involved in our daily struggles?
It seems it would be impossible for our loved ones to enjoy Heaven as the Bible says we all will, to live in perfect peace with no fear or worry or sorrow, if they are witnessing the many terrible things that go on here on Earth. Even a great day on Earth is marred by sin and imperfections the likes of which are abolished forever in Heaven, so it seems unlikely that our loved ones are looking down, sending rainbows, or helping us through situations. God is our help, and He is all we need. So, even though it may be a comforting thought to imagine that we still have a connection with our loved ones after they die, it is likely that only our memories and the hope of being reunited with them in Heaven remain.
Losing those we love is indescribably difficult. But, we can take comfort in knowing that our believing loved ones are safe, at peace, and in the presence of God, no longer concerned by all of the many worries of our world, but resting in the arms of the Savior. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says that we do not grieve like the rest of the world, which has no hope. We don’t have to look for signs or hope for the spiritual presence of our loved ones. We can know without a doubt that they are happily escaped from a world of great sorrow and pain, and we can console ourselves, knowing that they would not wish to be privy anymore to the sadness and troubles of this life.
We can trust God on this. We can believe His word, and we can enjoy the memories of time with our loved ones until we see them again in Heaven.
Thank you for posting this. I couldn’t agree with you more. It has always disturbed me to think of loved ones watching us, for the reasons you stated. Biblically it doesn’t line up and I wouldn’t find comfort in the idea of them watching over me, but I sure find comfort in God’s constant presence and care. I guess I know He actually has power to do something in my life and the lives of those I love and I can trust His sovereignty over everything. Mere mortals cannot do that….if they could watch us, it would disturb them and disturb us, I think. 🙂
I just love it when people agree with me! 🙂 Thanks so much for your comment!
I totally agree, lines up with scripture
Blessings & peace In Christ Jesus of Nazareth’s Holy name
Thank you for this. People make comments about a deceased loved one being an “angel” and feeling their presence sometimes – “I can feel him with me.” It disturbs me to think that so very many folks are mislead by popular culture. Even Christians say the oddest things about dead family members. I never really know how to respond, so I usually keep silent. I suppose it gives them a degree of comfort even if they are misguided. My father passed in October last year. Never have I thought that he is anywhere but heaven, at peace, no longer in pain, and with the Father. And that’s a wonderful thing!
I hear it a lot, too, Vicki. I think people have good intentions when they say those things–I just don’t think they have thought through the reality of what that would mean. Imagine how much more heart-breaking and broken the world would seem once you’ve been in the presence of God Himself! I just don’t think that our loved ones are subjected to that. Thanks for this comment!
I think our loved ones do hear us Jesus is a spirit and he hears us so why couldn’t our loved ones they are a spirit as well
I agree with you. And it is consoling to believe my dad is with me in someway in spirit, it also help keeps the special memories alive. I feel good when I see a cardinal outside my bedroom window in the morning. I talk to my dad all the time.
I am a CHRISTIAN and I do believe that my love ones can hear me and watch over me I dont speak to them all the time but it is very comforting to know that they are with me
God the father wants everyone to put him first in our live through jesus christ. That’s the reason why that our loved ones can not speak to us from heaven, they can not see us. We need to put jesus first in our lives , cause jesus is the healer of all broken hearts. We need to let go of our loves ones cause they can not ear us. But jesus will heal our broken hearts if we turn to him.
Ellie, Janice, and Penni Ann — first of all, condolences.
Melissa did an excellent job of defending her position through Scripture. Besides the infallibility of the Word of God, which is sufficient in and of itself, there’s also the simple fact that Melissa’s points are backed up by a source outside of herself. Can any of you show me, in Scripture, what your basis for your belief is?
I’ll anticipate and field one such answer — Jesus and departed loved ones are all spirits (from Ellie’s statement). But it’s not Jesus’ state as a spirit which grants Him omniscience; it’s His being the almighty God. Even an angel — another spirit being! — were he not present at a specific location at a specific time, would not know what’s happening. (Besides all this, don’t forget that Jesus is true God and true man!)
In my church, we don’t have eulogists at funerals, and theories such as “become an angel” and “looking down on us and smiling” are just one of the reasons why not.
Melissa, thanks much!
I just list my mother July 1st 2022 I lost my husband of 25 years June 18th 2015. It really distrubes me when I hear people say that my loves one’s are watching over me. That’s not there job! Jesus paid the price for my sins not my love ones. God is in charge of watching over me not my love ones. I find comfort in Him not in man. My love ones can do nothing for me but God who is all knowing has my back. I could give scripture, but so many have already. My trust, hope and love is in my resurrected Savior Jesus Christ. If I can see it, that’s not faith. As Jesus told Thomas, blessed is he who has not seen yet still believes. John 20:29
I agree. I’m now the caregiver of my son who is a brain cancer survivor. I know that while on earth, my mother’s love and support would have been a huge comfort to me and my family throughout his illness, but I feel relief knowing that since she’s passed, that she is free from the anguish that his suffering would have created for her.
Why would anyone want to believe that their dead loved ones should be witness to what happens here on earth and that the pain it creates? They’re supposed to be resting eternally.
I totally agree. The angels have been chosen by God. There are only a certain number of angels. We don’t become angels when we pass, we rest in the arms of Jesus.
I stay quiet when someone says something contrary to my beliefs. I’d rather keep peace around me.
Melissa,
So enjoying reading your blogs! Such wonderful and mature thoughts. Sent you a friend request on FB! Would like to be in touch! Blessings and love your way!
Sherita!! I was just thinking about you the other day! I’m so happy to hear from you!
I talk to my son like he can hear me, whether he can or not. I always tell God to just pass the message on if my son can’t hear me directly. I like to think that he can see the highlights, the high points of my life, of his families lives. Everything good on earth will be even better in heaven, so why not? I always am careful to attribute signs from God, and not from my son, a distinction that many in the grieving parents community do not agree with. The connection with my son is always there, whether we can interact or not.
Thank you for this comment, Pam! I took a look at your blog, and I am so sorry about your son. I’m glad you’re back to writing again–I’m looking forward to keeping up with you.
I agree, I believe God would shield them from anything hurtful because there are no tears, or pain or worries in Heaven. .but Our loving Father also knows exactly how to show us what He wishes in His perfect timing …and if He does this on Earth who’s to say He doesnt do the same in Heaven …If we can live life here in this chaotic world In worship and adoration of our beautiful God , feel His Presence and at the same time be full of love for our children, parents and spouses. ..then why couldn’t we be in Heaven…living in constant praise , worship and adoration in His very presence ..and still have an awareness of those that are still on Earth..I believe God DOES allow a peek at loved ones here..at moments HE deems appropriate ..when joy would fill their hearts as they look at us…and I wholeheartedly believe one of those moments happen when WE on Earth are singing and joining Heaven with songs of praise and WORSHIP ♥
I so agree our loved ones hear us jesus is a spirit and he does I do not think God would close that window he is a loving God and I just lost my best friend I talk to him everyday and I know he hears me God would not be so mean to block our loved ones from us
Thank you for this. I just lost my brother a few weeks ago. He was 25, with so many incredible things going for him. I have been researching this topic heavily and though I can see God sheilding him from the intense pain we’re feeling there is also love and goodness that I pray God lets him see… the spiritual world is very real. The veil is thin between the two and thigh my brothers attention is overwhelmed by Gods glory he loved our family fiercely. Its a part of who he is… why would God not let us keep some connection…. There has to be something.
Melissa you just confirmed that I am not the only one that thinks this way. Love your blog.
Thank you for reading and for this comment, Martha!
Thank you for sharing this. I have been ministering to a mother who lost her only son a year ago. She has been so angry at God. But this week she seems to have had a breakthrough. Her name is Lisa, please pray for her. God bless the work of your hands as you share His Heart!
Thank you, Sarita! Lisa is in my prayers!
Sarita- If you think she’s ready, there’s a ministry that ministers to mothers who have suffered the loss of a child. My sister lost her 3rd son in a tragic accident and is part of this ministry. You can check out the website. If nothing else, they have some great resources for grieving mothers. http://haven-of-hope.com/
Melissa- I’m new to your blog, but it’s been so refreshing to read some truth for once. 🙂
Thank you, Christine!! I’m so glad you’re here! 🙂
Melissa, just found your blog tonight, following a trail from fb. After reading your thoughts on MM and the Oscars, I wanted to read more. This blog on Heaven was something I needed. Our daughter, our first born, has been in Heaven a little over a year now. Though I know I’ll see her again, that she is healed and whole, and worshipping Jesus, it’s still sad for this mama’s heart. Just tonight my husband and I were discussing what she might be doing in Heaven, etc. I’ve read the scriptures from your three points many times, but tonight especially, it was good to hear them again. I look forward to reading more and getting “to know” you and your precious family through your blog. Blessings to you.
Carol, I’m so sorry about your daughter. It thrills me to think that my post might have brought you a small amount of comfort. I’m so glad you found my blog!
Another wonderful and well written article. I enjoy your thought-fullness, your boldness and your courage as you tackle difficult but needed topics. So glad I found your blog, I look forward to reading more of your work.
Thanks so much, Christine! I’m glad you found it, too! 🙂
I personally feel good just knowing that my loved ones who have passed on will be in heaven, and that I will see them again. There is a great book by Joe Laws titled, “Held By The Hand Of God: Why Am I Alive” http://heldbythehandofgod.com/. Joe had a near death experience and was able to take a glimpse into heaven. He was able to see his loved ones there. I have read other books on NDE’s as well as in my scriptures to lead me to believe that this is all true, and this gives me comfort.
Yes! Me, too, Liz. It says in the Bible that we have a “great cloud of witnesses.” Isn’t that wonderful? Thank you for sharing your book. Sounds very good :}.
You’re welcome Molly! Thank you for your great bible reference! I love that!
Hebrews 12 does indeed speak of a great cloud of witnesses *to the faith*, describing those in the great “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11. I do think we have to be careful there. 🙂
I agree with most of this and would have spoke about the verse which says when we die, we have no more part in this world. Our spirit returns to God who gave it.
Great post! Thoughtful insights on a subject that many people just take for granted that what they’ve always heard was true!
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
Psa 115:17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
Job 7:9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.
The dead know nothing they are resting in their graves. The dead rest until Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven and he will ‘awaken the dead in Christ first’:
1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive [the righteous living] and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
‘Do his commandments means ALL TEN. This means we need to be keeping the Bible Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.
This ten commandment law was not ‘obliterated’ at the cross it was the Mosaic Laws the sacrifices etc that finished: Jesus says:
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Jesus became the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ and once that happened there was no further need for animal sacrifices etc.
Jesus goes onto say:
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Dogs from the Greek Thayer G2965 metaphorically a man of impure mind, an impudent man. {This will also include women.}
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
The bible clearly states that the dead do not contact us or watch over us in ANY way! “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10. “The dead praise not the Lord.” Psalms 115:17. “So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.” “His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.” Job 14:12, 21. The dead cannot contact the living, nor do they know what the living are doing. They are dead. Their thoughts have perished (Psalms 146:4).
True, the dead are dead until JESUS returns! We will be Judged, either good or bad. You can read some in Revelation. Listen to GOD, NOT to man!
I just lost my sweetheart husband 12/2016…and I accept that God is in control of all things
…but I don’t know how to deal with how much I miss my buddy…we were one..enjoyed everything together now I feel alone without no one to hold me or tell me how much he loves me as well as how much I love him.
Maria, I cry with you. I lost my sweetheart husband 10/2015 and have the same exact feelings. We were best friends, sweethearts…we were one. It has been awful. I have searched for answers and want so much to feel a connection with him but believe the Bible literally. Your words are so perfect and beautiful. I love and miss mine so much too.
I lost my mother Feb 5th, 2017. Your explanations with scripture stating our loved ones do not watch over us has me thinking at it all differently. I know my mother is in heaven or another realm if science has it. However, I believe that if God allowed this woman to share her soul and create my sister and myself, she must still have a connection to us.
I don’t believe it is one to cause her pain or tears, as those are washed away at death if you are with God, and she is for sure. But I believe what she sees is our souls and the light that shines from them that gives her peace. That connection allows her the peace now as she does not know our physical pain or physical emotions. She sees us still living and when our light passes they know to meet us and take us home.
It us our own personal experience to do or feel anyway we must to survive life’s challenges, pains and sorrow. No one, not even our loved ones can know such pain or hardship, especially if they have died.
My mother dying to me is my experience alone, so different than my sisters or dads. No one can know my pain, loss or sadness. It is also mine to sort through, manage and live with. In that I know I can do it because I know my mother is always connected to me, since she created me. Nothing can ever break that tie or connection. “looking down”? no, she is with me, not just a memory. Memories are physical, rather I am a living being of my mother and to honor her, I must believe that she would never leave me alone.
Sheri.. I totally love what you said I lost my spouse april11 of 2021..and I know that she is watching over me and hears me when I talk to her..
Thank you for this heartwarming article. My beloved Mother passed away recently, she was a wonderful mother and wife who worked tirelessly for others her whole life. Unfortunately she had no religious beliefs, citing lack of evidence for the claims of the various books God has written, although she did did scrupulous research in her later years. I am worried that when my time comes I will have an issue with God, knowing as I will that while he is loving and caring for me, he is simultaneously torturing my Mum. I am not sure I could love a God who does that and am scared that I will end up with her for not loving him enough. Please help
C, thanks so much for your comment. I’m so sorry about the loss of your mother. I can understand why you worry that you will be angry with God when you meet Him. But, that’s not something to worry about. If you are a believer, when you see all things from the perspective that you will gain in your death, when you are made like Christ, you will fully understand God’s goodness and sovereignty in ways that we can’t here on Earth. You won’t be angry with God. You will worship Him in awe, and you will fully understand why things happen the way that they do. I hope that this thought brings you a little comfort. I would encourage you to seek out your pastor and talk with him about these things.
I cringe every time I hear someone say “that must be your mom watching over you”. Nope, my mom is not watching me cry over her absence. Thanks for your post.
Hi, I have never made comments on any blog before but always a first 🙂
I recently lost my dad who was my absolute everything, we spoke at least 6 times a day, we never fought, we had the most unbelievable connection and my days without him are absolutely killing me, I cry I scream, I get angry.. I just want my dad back…
I always believed they watch over us and can see us and I recently ask the questions as now I am experiencing it all and worrying about my dad and 2 people have confirmed what you have said and I originally was so angry and hurt that my dad cant see me or hear me, but it is all so true what you say and God is a loving amazing incredible God that wouldn’t want them to see us in pain but why am I angry still that I cant have that connection now with my dad… I want him so badly..
All I want is for him to be happy and I know he is and that he is with the Lord and that is all that matters, I just need to stop being selfish and wanting him to see me, its so hard… 🙁
So heartbroken
I feel the following scriptures should also be taken just as serious:
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.[b] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[c] must be born again.’
And
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
There is no way to know where our loved ones are. We can only continue to have faith that they are with God. But for the sake of securing our own destiny, I believe we should not downplay any scriptures, especially these eye-opening ones.
I wonder if you can understand this. I have been a Christian for a long time. One evening after dark my son and I went through a huge abandoned lake house with flashlights and a Sony Nightshot camcorder capable of infrared filming. I was primarily curious about this structure that used to be a country restaurant and why it had been abandoned for 13 years. We had fun because it was spooky and a way for me to spend time with my 21 yr old son who no longer lived with me. I put the tape away and didn’t even watch it for six months. When I did, I was shocked to hear all kinds of dark threatening voices telling us to get out. We heard nothing at the time. We are supposed to live by faith and not by sight and while recordings of Paul or Jesus don’t exist, demons are easy to find. Then I read William Peter Blatty talking about research he did for his book “The Exorcist.” He came to believe in demons and reasoned “if there are demons, then perhaps there are angels.” The result of our exploring was that it increased my Christian faith. However, while I know, that I know spirits can see us, hear us, and are always watching us, I have no evidence that they are loved ones. If somebody hears something, sees something, or feels something they should proceed with extreme caution and prayer. On tape the voices answered our questions before we asked them out loud.
You sought the evil one and found him, why are you surprised.
Curious, Wally, if we have sought our own deceased loved ones then why can’t we find (hear) them?
Our loved ones, even our pets, absolutely do watch over us and glimpse in on the pivotal and special moments in our lives. I agree that there are no more tears or sorrow in heaven. From their perspective, they can help to guide us and even comfort us by leaving us signs to let us know they’re always near. They don’t feel sadness when we feel sad; instead, they are able to see our situations from a heavenly perspective and help us get through difficult situations.
I have a special story about a VERY remarkable pet, who I feel was sent to me during a desperate and dark time, before I even had a relationship with God. My sister showed me an ad in the paper for Chihuahua puppies, while I was visiting her, 2 hours from my home. We went to see the puppies, and the place we pulled up to was horrible. (a filthy, unkempt puppy mill situation) Regardless, we still went in. Of all of the puppies (there were hundreds), a 2 year old adult “teacup” sat and stared up at me, and jumped in my lap. She “chose” me. She was malnourished and very sick looking. The breeder said: “You want her? I’ll sell her to ya for $100 bucks. Her name’s Penny. She’s no good to us, I was thinking about having her put down.” I took Penny home, and the road the breeder lived on (later attempted to report her puppy mill) happened to be “PENNY LANE.” When we first brought little Penny to our vet, they asked where we got her. The vet said he couldn’t believe she was still alive; she was extremely weak and sick and weighed less than 2 pounds. But she made it through, and for the next 14 years, was the most AMAZING companion, there are no words to describe her. Everyone who came in contact with little “Pen-Pen” called her my “guardian angel.” We also used to call her a little feather because she was so light! At the age of almost 16, Pen passed from chronic kidney failure. Prior to that, she had a lifetime of health problems. She suffered from epilepsy, liver spots and failure (which she miraculously recovered from) seizures, mast cell cancer, etc. But she always pulled through..she was the toughest little bitty. But her “mission” was to be my guardian, so she stayed as long as possible. Immediately after Pen passed, my birthday arrived. My sister took me to a child’s resale shop to look for vintage finds for her twin boys. I sat next to a bargain table to rest. Right next to my elbow, 2 days before my birthday, the first thing I saw was a piggy bank that read: “pennies from heaven.” I had chills. (I still have it) I KNEW…KNEW it was from my girl. Since then, even my fiancee finds both feathers, and pennies, in the oddest places. He once found a penny on a roof where he was working. I don’t know how a dog can so strongly communicate that they’re still with us, but SHE DOES. My boyfriend and I have no children, and everyone always called us the “3 musketeers”…we were that close to our fur angel. All 3 of us were inseparable in life, and I believe, still inseparable after her passing. Our loved ones ABSOLUTELY look over us. To think otherwise is silly and sad. Just wanted to share our special story. Not everything can be rationalized or explained away; some things really are a mystery.
Jenah
This is great bless you
I don’t think they are angels, and I don’t think they are watching and guiding us. I do however think they remember their loved ones who are still here, and are aware of at least some things on earth. The verse in Ecclesiasties 9:5 stating “the dead know nothing” is from an Earthly perspective. As we see it from here they have no more share in anything, anything “under the sun.” Jesus conversated with Moses and Elijah (who were already in heaven) at the transfiguration. So they had to have some awareness of what was going on here. The souls who were martyred in Revelation are clearly aware what is happening on Earth as they ask how long until God will judge those who dwell on the Earth. So they are aware of how they were killed and what is happening and has not happened yet on Earth. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, both Lazarus in Abraham’s Bosom, and the rich man in Hades remembered their earthly lives. The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers still on Earth about Hades who he also clearly remembered. I don’t believe they send us signs. I do think sometimes perhaps God who loves and comforts us shows us little signs letting us know our loved ones are okay and in his hands. While I don’t believe they communicate with us or are a part of our lives from an Earthly perspective I think they remember us and anticipate a reunion with us. In heaven perhaps they can be aware of us without tears as they now see things from God’s perspective and perhaps they see how his will played out in their lives and those of us still here.
My take is that once we depart from our material existence, we become one with God. Therefore it won’t matter whether signs would come from God or from a departed loved one. When this happens, our wisdom or consciousness expands to infinity and the narrow limitations imposed by our bodily senses are gone. Therefore, the worldly suffering that are supposedly seen by our loved ones who have departed become infinitesimal in the infinitely broader scheme of things when they become one with God. In this life, we can try interpret things that cannot be fathomed in different ways. But in the end, if these interpretations will bring us closer to God then that is all that matters.
I believe that loved ones that has passed on love never dies… always in our hearts and through memories.
Well I have a story about my grandpa that died in August and my mom was still crying because her dad died and we moved and we wanted to have my grandma and grandpa to live with us on our property and an old lady the owner of the house before we even moved in that she was taking her dog on a walk and she saw a stick formed as a cross and I think that was a sign from got that my grandpa is watching over me and my family
Its all BS-no one is watching over anyone. People imagine stupid things are a loved one sending a sign, Its a lot of garbage. Prayers are something we do to make ourselves feel better. No proof whatsoever that any entity is watching over us.
I couldn’t agree with you more! My Grandma recently just passed away. I believe that she is watching over me and my family every minute of everyday. I pray that she rests in peace.
I disagree…I feel that they do see us, give us comfort without pain because they know that as we pass from this life into our new journey with God that we too will suffer no longer. I believe they are there to help guide us in the right directions that this is one of their jobs ( so to say ), just knowing my daughter of 46 yrs died May 29 of this yrs of ALS ( Lou Gehrig disease) was not in vain I know she’s helping her family to live on until we can be with her again.
Is it possible for my deceased loved one, say my father, to ask Jesus to get a message to me that they love me? Then for a pastor to to say they had a message from the Lord for me that my father loves me.? Is it possible for them to want Jesus to get a message to me?
Love blinds use all. We want to feel the connection with our dead loved ones, we may even smell their presence, feel their presence or create some false sense of communication, but the Bible says nothing of this. There is more in the Bible showing that the Dead are dead and know nothing of whats happening to anyone here on earth. Research for your selves and you will find yourself adding to scripture to gain a truth that isnt there. Maybe you will find a religion that supports this idea, but it still isnt in the Bible. Sure God can do anything and may have, but did any stories in the Bible say anything like this? I am not talking about what the Lord did Or persons in the Bible that were taken like Enoch or Elijah etc. I would add that our loved ones may not even be saved, how could they look down on you or even communicate? You would have to think outside the Bible for any of this, and if you do are you a lost soul? God first….. Revelation 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Hi! I’m loving your site, but I rarely say much on subjects like this as people are so set in their beliefs that even scriptures that say we should not try to talk to (or communicate with) the dead; that they know nothing of this world; that they sleep till He comes and raises us; are either flatly rejected or twisted with a “yes, but…” It can be a pointless and, for some, a hurtful debate. What we think doesn’t matter, only what HE thinks and has left in His word. Best to truly pray, search all the scriptures and then pray some more for the ability to rightly divide (discern) the Word.
While I see what you’re saying, have you ever stopped and listened to these people? For God says the ones who mourn will be comforted. Also, I dont see why they couldn’t “Visit” during our times of pure happiness. For they’re under the protection of God they wouldn’t know those things of this earth anymore. I personally have had many experiences of my mother visiting since her passing. We were truly connected at our souls. She was my best friend in life and I know in death she sends love and happiness to all of us that mourn her in our earthly way. For we are spiritual beings have a human experience. And to keep in mind that the bible we read today is not the bible but the closest we can get. I know for a fact none of us living know exactly what all God will have us doing as his angels. I know what I’ve felt and experienced, I know my mom has visited me several times in many different ways. Have you ever stopped and thought of where you are when you’re dreaming? I’ve found the closer I am to our real Lord, the better my life gets, health, dreams all that. I think the best way to put it is, you gotta know him in your heart, not a earthly book.
So tell me about Revelations 5:8, those bowls full of the prayers of the saints that are being held by the 24 elders. Who are the saints? And is it possible that the elders know the sorrows of the earth because they are holding the prayers of the saints?
I lost my husband recently and was thinking about that scripture about a great cloud of witnesses , while I was taking a shower and I even prayed about it . When I exited the shower , there was a scene in the bathroom mirror., that I have never seen before or since and nobody has been in my bathroom and I use a squeegee to clean the mirror , it leaves nothing . It was like an artist or should I say Artist , painted expertly in the fog of the mirror , I even took a picture of it and there is no explanation for it , I even thought if it was a trick of the devil , what would be the point of it , to me ? It made me feel that God showed me an answer to prayer , and it was comforting . I don’t believe in communicating with the dead or that they give us signs , or trying to seek them out but I think they know what’s up with us here and see things in an enlightened way , because they are made new , and maybe they have no tears because they can see the bigger picture of things , they know that God will handle things , that we are safe , regardless because we are eternal , there is a way , that some scenario makes it possible . This picture in the fog of the mirror is distinct and it is a crowd of people . I didn’t worship the picture and I cleaned it away after taking the photo, but I saved the photo and if the devil did it , it was for what reason ? The devil listened to my inner prayer to God and my meditation on God’s Word ? That does not make any sense and besides God is the Master Artist , isn’t He ?
Wendy, my darling wife of 36 years departed this life 10 years ago. She died from a cruel cancer and I was left distraught. In my diary at the time, I wrote:
And now the Love of my Life was gone and I had no answers. I prayed to God for that “peace that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart and mind,” so that I could accept what had happened without needing answers. I then felt the presence of the Lord give me peace. Those words from 1 Cor 15:55, “O Death, where is your sting? O Grave, where is your victory?” became reality.
I was then comforted with the following thoughts: God called Himself “I AM”.
For the time being (that is, the existence of time, that relates only to our earthly experience), I live in this mortal capsule. But in the future (in the sense of earthly time) I will be released from it to live in the “I AM”. (I am in the presence of the Lord forever with no beginning and no end). God is ALWAYS in the present.
Wendy is in the I AM and from her perspective, (as there is no time lapse between her death and mine), I am as well. This is the complete fullness of joy for Wendy to be in the I AM (to be with the Lord) and for us to be with her as well.
She is not sleeping in the grave in some form of limbo. She is present with the Lord, outside of time where history does not constrain and time does not exist. I am with her as are her parents and ancestors as well as her children, grand children, great grand children for as many generations as time on this earth permitted.
This is an exceptionally difficult concept to grasp, that we shall all meet the Lord and enter eternity together at the resurrection; and for each of us that occurs at the moment we die. Wendy has not “gone ahead” and neither have any of the Apostles or Christians throughout history. We are all with the Lord at the same instant (to use an earthly expression). This is the I AM of God and this is complete and utter joy “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Cor 5:8.
From my earthly perspective, I must wait until I am released from my mortal capsule to experience that joy. I am the one who must wait to meet the Lord, however many years that may be that I remain within the constraints of space and time on this earth.
In the meantime, (note: sense of time), Wendy is not looking down on me, because I am with her.
My mum passed away on August 19, 2021. I’ve been wondering where she is. What a dear soul she was. Just wanted to research more about where ht soul is. I’m comforted in knowing that she’s at peace, where no sorrows and tears exist. Meaning she doesn’t se what happens on earth. Though I still belive she’ll forever be my guiden Angel.
Letting the dead see what’s happening in earth will be pure torchure as they won’t rest seeing us breaking over their passing and all these life challenges. I’d prefer they rest in peace
Thank you so much for sharing this. I know so many Christians that post constantly on Facebook that their loved ones are looking down on them from Heaven and that just grieves my spirit so much. God Almighty is not cruel to let those in Heaven be heartbroken by seeing all the bad things at are happening here on the earth