Seth Barnes - What do you say to a dying friend?

I have a friend who has a terminal illness. He's also had great successes, working as a minister of the gospel, leading many to Christ, serving as the dean of a large college, and owning his own successful business.

He's loved God and hated God, and he's had good reason to do both.

At the end of the day, I believe he'd trade it all for a few friends who loved him well. Wouldn't we all?

Why is it that we struggle so to find people we can share our deepest stuff with? Why do we run from people in pain instead of embracing them?

So many of the words that we Christians are taught to say sound glib and hollow when said to someone in a situation like my friend's.

What would Jesus say to such a man? It's past midnight on the East Coast tonight, and I'm asking the Lord that question.

Here is the advice that a friend gave me:

"Be there. Hold his hand. Don't feel the need to say anything profound, unless God lays something specific on your heart. Maybe you can even talk about what he's going to get to experience before you - the joys of heaven and seeing our Father."

What would you do?

For more on how to serve those passing away, check out: Helping Loved Ones Die Well