In our culture people are reluctant but cannot help attending funerals if they are invited to. After leaving the funeral service they would wash hands, change clothes, or even throw away some stuff there are given at the funeral service. They consider those items unclean, which may bring misfortune home. However, for Christians attending a funeral can be a blessing from God. They sing hymns to praise God for his grace and faithfulness; they listen to a short message of assured hope given by a pastor; they watch a video presentation of the deceased photos; and they share an encouraging time with family and friends.

For unbelievers, death is the end of life, but a new beginning of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus. Funeral services are always set up for the living not for the dead. In Luke 9:59-60 Jesus called a man to follow him and the man said, “Sir, first let me go back and bury my father.” Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their own dead, You go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” A funeral service can be meaningful if the sharing testimonies reach to those who are in attendance and they are greatly encouraged and of course the kingdom of God is proclaimed. If not the case, “let the dead bury their own death.”