Christian Crier
If a loved one has passed away, you know how difficult it is to cope. Life goes on, yet there is an overwhelming hole within your heart that cannot be filled. Although it is extremely sad, the death of a loved one can often bring to remembrance the legacy that he or she left; it’s a time to really memorialize the person that they were. To do this, many people opt for putting a Bible verse on a headstone or gravestone; often times, it’s a verse that summarizes the type of person that they were. With all this in mind, here are the top 7 bible verses that you can use to memorialize a life on a headstone or gravestone.
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”
What better to way to memorialize a life than to admit that they have run their race well? The Apostle Paul’s goal in life was to not just start well—it was to finish well! He knew that anybody can start off doing pretty good, having a lot of faith and energy, but the difficulty comes with finishing. If this sounds like the type of person your loved one was, than it is an excellent way of remembering them. In essence, they accomplished the goal they sought: to live life well.
Titus 2:7- “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility”
If your loved one was known for being a great example, especially to younger people, than this can be a great Bible verse to use. The characteristics listed are quite admirable: integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility. In today’s world, it’s hard to come across people full of integrity. The people that have it certainly deserve recognition for it, especially when they pass away.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Was the person you are memorializing a great man of faith? If so, this is a perfect Bible verse for them! To you, they might be one of those witnesses that constantly showed you how to act in faith and godliness. They were the type of person who always looked to Jesus and pointed at Jesus for everything; and, they made sure to encourage you to do so as well.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 – “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.”
These words might have been said from your loved one, couldn’t they? If they resonate with you, you may be able to hear your loved ones voice speaking it right into your heart. The Apostle Paul always made sure he preached the gospel, lived by it, and pointed others to it. Was your loved one like that? Were they the type of person that encouraged you in your faith? If so, pay respects to them by putting this Bible verse on their headstone or gravestone.
1 Corinthians 10:24 – “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”
Was your loved one a selfless person, always looking out for other people instead of himself? This Bible verse speaks directly to that type of character. It epitomizes the heart of Jesus; giving without getting. Your loved one may have been a volunteer, a compassionate person, or just a family member who was always willing to lend a helping hand, a crying shoulder, or a listening ear. Whatever the case may be, they were probably the type of person to which, upon hearing this verse, you would hear them light up and say “Amen!”
Philippians 1:12-14 – “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Was your loved one the type of person, like the Apostle Paul, who rejoiced in the midst of difficulty? No matter what situation they found themselves in, they continually confused you by smiling, laughing, and leaving it all in the hands of God. Such a person must have a lot of faith! The Apostle Paul was just like that; even when he was stuck in prison, he wrote encouraging and joyful letters (like the book of Philippians!).
Proverbs 12:11 – “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.”
This verse can be summed up by saying: wise people work hard. Does that sound like your loved one? Did he or she do all they could to provide for their children and family? This goes far beyond money, however; you can work hard by giving your time, energy, and love to other people, especially your family! If your loved one was like this, then what a great verse to include! In fact, Proverbs is full of verses that emphasize the importance of hard work and integrity. And, on the off chance that they were not hard workers but were lazy (yet had a good sense of humor) you can always include the many Proverbs that talk about the lazy man!
Conclusion
Don’t let choosing a Bible verse for a headstone or gravestone add stress into your current situation. All you have to do it think of the type of person that they were; what was their character like? After you do this, it is more than likely you can find a perfect Bible verse for the occasion, perhaps even one listed above!
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