August 23

When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” — 2 Kgs 13:14 BSB

A deathbed provides a unique perspective on life. In the dim light of eternity, things appear differently than they do in the ordinary sunlight. Many actions that once brought pleasure now cause pain and regret. Sins, foolish choices, selfish gains, and quarrels that seemed insignificant during life now appear tragic in retrospect.

On the other hand, sacrifices, hardships, and acts of self-denial that once seemed difficult now shine with beauty in the light of the deathbed. This is why the dying hour is a good time to assess one’s life. If we could pause before any questionable decision and ask, “How will this look when I am dying?” it would save us from many mistakes and sins.

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

A deathbed is also a good place for others to reflect on a person’s life. When a person is active in the world, envy and rivalry may cloud people’s opinions of them. But in the face of death, all such feelings disappear, replaced by kindness and understanding. The faults of the dying are forgotten, and their virtues shine more clearly than ever before.