A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person, typically given at their funeral. The word “eulogy” comes from the Greek words “eu” meaning “well” and “logos” meaning “word.” A eulogy seeks to honor the deceased by highlighting their life and character.
The Bible does not use the specific word “eulogy,” but it contains many examples of eulogy-like speeches praising both the living and the dead. Genesis contains eulogies for Abraham and Jacob, describing them as fathers of great nations (Gen. 17:5; 35:11). The book of Hebrews eulogizes many heroes of the faith like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others (Hebrews 11). Jesus gave a eulogy for John the Baptist, calling him the greatest prophet (Matt. 11:11). The apostle Paul delivered a eulogy for his coworker Epaphroditus, calling him an honorable, sacrificial brother in Christ (Phil. 2:25-30).
Based on these and other Scriptural models, important qualities of biblical eulogies include:
– Praising God first – Eulogies should ultimately praise God for His work in the deceased person’s life. The focus is on God’s grace, not just human achievement (Psalm 115:1).
– Faithfulness to truth – Eulogies should accurately reflect the person’s character; they are not a time for exaggerations (Proverbs 13:5).
– Christ-centeredness – For believers, the ultimate hope is eternal life in Christ. Eulogies for Christians should reflect this hope.
– Comfort for the living – Eulogies can encourage and challenge those left behind to press on in faith (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
– Brevity – Lengthy details about the person’s life are less important than highlighting Christ. Eulogies should be succinct.
– Personal touch – Sharing personal memories, stories, and emotions helps make eulogies meaningful. But these should be focused and in good taste.
– Focus on positive traits – Eulogies extol the good qualities and deeds of the deceased rather thancriticizing (Proverbs 10:7).
– Point to resurrection – For Christians, bodily death leads to eternity with Christ. The bereaved can have hope of reunion (1 Corinthians 15:42-57).
In preparing a biblical eulogy, some practices to avoid include:
– Prolonged grieving or wailing – Mourning is appropriate, but should not be excessive (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).
– Speaking ill of the dead – Any faults or sins should be covered with love (Proverbs 10:12).
– Pride – Eulogies should praise the work of God, not achievements of self (Psalm 115:1).
– Despair – Eulogies should comfort with the hope of resurrection, not leave people in utter hopelessness (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
– Dishonesty – Exaggerating virtues or hiding vices creates a false impression. Eulogies should be truthful.
– Gossip – Eulogies are not a time for airing secrets, grudges, unresolved issues with the deceased (Proverbs 20:19).
In summary, a biblical eulogy seeks to honor the deceased in a way that is honest, Christ-centered, and brings hope and comfort to the living by pointing them to the grace of God and the resurrection. The focus is on God’s work in the person’s life, not merely their accomplishments. The goal is to praise God and encourage the audience.
Key Elements of a Biblical Eulogy
Though eulogies take many forms, here are some key elements to include in a biblical eulogy:
Scripture Quotations
Choose 1-2 verses that were meaningful to the deceased and illustrate their faith, character, or values. Short passages are recommended over long sections. Suitable verses might include:
– Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
– John 14:1-3 – “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
– Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Life Summary
Briefly tell the story of the deceased’s life—major accomplishments, vocations, and relationships. Focus on their core values and what they stood for. Share 1-2 short anecdotes showing their character.
Faith Affirmation
Note how the deceased lived out and clung to their Christian faith. Highlight any favorite hymns, Bible verses, or spiritual habits. Affirm their trust in Jesus as Savior.
Thanks and Appreciation
Express thanks to the deceased for the ways they blessed family, friends, church, and community. Be specific about their deeds and impact on others.
Comfort and Hope
Console mourners with truths about eternal life, God’s presence, Christ’s resurrection, reunion with the deceased, and God’s sovereignty and goodness. Reassure them of God’s comfort.
Challenge to the Living
Offer a practical, actionable challenge based on the deceased’s legacy—how to live life well and honor their memory through godly choices.
Prayer
Close with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the person’s life, comfort for those grieving, and hope in the resurrection.
How to Honor the Deceased
Here are some tips for giving honor to the deceased through a biblical eulogy:
– Recall meaningful memories that illustrate their character and impact.
– Mention their most important roles – spouse, parent, friend, worker, etc. – and how they filled these well.
– Share talents, hobbies, or interests that brought them joy and enrichment.
– Discuss ways they served God, church, and community to make a difference in people’s lives.
– Tell how they touched you personally – advice, support, or mentoring they provided.
– Describe any remarkable feats or special recognition they earned that gave them fulfillment.
– Share examples of their steadfast faith and how they overcame hardships and trials.
– Recall heartwarming anecdotes that show their personality – humor, compassion, determination, etc.
– Describe any last acts or words that summarized their beliefs, values, and hopes.
– Explain what you admired most about them – courage, integrity, kindness, wisdom, etc.
– Note unique habits, phrases, or quirks that made them special.
– If faults come to mind, do not dwell on these but cover them with love.
– Let your reflections highlight godly virtues and service rather than human glory.
The goal is to sincerely acknowledge their merits and example while ultimately pointing people to the grace and glory of God.
Comforting Those Who Mourn
Here are some biblical truths and promises that can bring hope and comfort in a eulogy:
– God is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)
– God keeps record of every tear His children shed (Psalm 56:8)
– God will wipe away every tear from our eyes one day (Revelation 21:4)
– God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)
– Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted, comfort all who mourn, and give a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (Isaiah 61:1-3)
– Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
– I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
– For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ (1 Corinthians 15:53-55)
– And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)
Speak these promises of God’s presence, peace, power, and eternal hope to encourage those who mourn.
Honoring the Dead While Turning Eyes to Christ
While eulogies pay tribute to the deceased, they can also glorify Christ. Here are some tips:
– Note how the person trusted in Jesus for salvation.
– Highlight Christlike virtues they modeled – faith, hope, love, sacrifice, service, etc.
– Take comfort in their gained reward to be with Jesus.
– Imagine them cheering on loved ones to finish life’s race.
– Allow their loss to sharpen the focus on eternal priorities.
– Use their legacy as inspiration to live more wholeheartedly for Christ.
– See their life as a testimony of God’s grace and abiding presence.
– Let sorrows turn hearts back to Jesus for comfort and strength.
– Recall any lessons learned from the person about walking with God.
– Let their death remind all to number their days and apply their hearts to wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
– Take solace in one day reuniting with them through Christ’s redemption.
– Find joy imagining them worshiping in paradise, free from pain and tears.
– Take hope in the promised resurrection – because Jesus lives, so shall they (1 Cor. 15:20-22).
Eulogies mourn the temporary loss of loved ones but inspire eternal hope through the love of Christ, who conquered the grave once for all.
Leaving a Challenge for the Living
Eulogies provide a chance to share a challenge from the deceased’s life and faith. Consider offering these calls to action:
– Press on toward the goal of heaven with endurance, finishing the race well (Hebrews 12:1; 2 Timothy 4:7).
– Keep meeting together in Christ’s presence for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25).
– Carry each other’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ through serving (Galatians 6:2).
– Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, knowing it is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
– Fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12).
– Be faithful unto death, and you will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
– Therefore, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
– Continue in what you have learned – the truths of God’s Word. They are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
– Imitate their faith. Follow the example of those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised (Hebrews 6:12).
– Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
– Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Lift up these or similar challenges to spur on family and friends to lifelong faithfulness.
Prayerful Blessing for Those Who Mourn
Close a eulogy with earnest, gospel-centered prayer. Elements to include:
– Blessing – Ask God to comfort, strengthen, and bless the bereaved.
– Gratitude – Thank God for the gift of the deceased’s life and legacy.
– Petition – Bring any needs of loved ones before God’s throne of grace.
– Hope – Express confidence in God’s promises and eternal life in Christ.
– Courage – Implore God’s help to press on in faith despite grief and loss.
– Reunion – Joyfully affirm that death is temporary for believers.
– Guidance – Seek God’s direction for the days ahead without the deceased.
– Humility – Acknowledge God’s authority over life and death.
– Vision – Ask God to show mourners how to fulfill His purposes going forward.
Sample prayer:
“Heavenly Father, we lift up our hearts to you in this time of grief. We thank you for the gift of ____’s life. Their memory will be cherished forever. Lord, help this family walk by faith, not sight in the days ahead. Strengthen them when weary, comfort them when mourning, keep them trusting in your eternal promises. Help them to press on toward heaven’s shores where every tear will be wiped away. Though parted for a time, give assurance of reunion at Christ’s return. Keep seeking hearts near the cross. We pray this in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.”
Such words can provide blessing, perspective, and encouragement to close a eulogy.
Guidelines for an Uplifting, Christ-Centered Eulogy
Here are best practices for eulogies that honor the deceased and glorify God:
– Keep the focus on Christ more than achievements.
– Share authentic stories and emotions that make it personal.
-Highlight the deceased’s faith, virtues, service, and personality.
– Include meaningful scriptures that were significant to them.
– Comfort with biblical truths about mourning, eternal life, and God’s presence.
– Express gratitude for how they touched lives.
– Note any lasting spiritual impact or legacy.
– Inspire listeners to refocus on pursuing Christ amidst grief.
– Challenge them to run life’s race well as the deceased did.
– Hold forth hope of reunion on resurrection day.
– Close with a heartfelt prayer entrusting loved ones to God’s care.
– Remain sensitive to the bereaved’s needs and feelings.
– Allow some tears but aim to uplift hearts toward heaven.
– Keep it succinct; better to be short and meaningful than long-winded.
– Make the deceased’s faith the spotlight rather than just their deeds.
God-glorifying eulogies acknowledge loss but point to eternal life and hope in Christ. They comfort, inspire, challenge, and bless.