What to say?

Maybe, "I'm sorry."

Perhaps presence is more important that talk in times of suffering.

 

They wll probably at some point have to come to grips with what happened to their mom. BUT, at this point, it is not your job to make them come to that point. Your job is to love them and weep with them. Don't pass judgements one way or another about the fate of the mother.

Unfortunately, I have been called upon to preach funerals of lost people. My job is to minister to the living and point those still living towards faith in Christ. Hug her neck, cry with her, be kind. They are going thru a process of grief that will require time.

If they ask you might say what I do, "I am not the judge of someone's salvation, God is. But I do know one thing that if they could speak to you now, they would want everyone they have ever met to know Jesus and spend eternity with Him." That you know based on Luke 16 and the rich man who was in torment.

Tread lightly and lovingly.

 

Wow, a very tough situation. All you can do brother, is to empathize. There is no point in telling them that their loved one is in hell. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

 

Ah, amen Tom. You have good words.

 

I loved your reply Tom..it's exactly right on..

 

I would simply say, that you are sorry for their loss, and that you will be praying for them.

 

Tom Bryant and christianyouth have given wise counsel.

I might add, don't try to make them feel better right now. Tell them you know this loss hurts, and that you hurt with them and for them.

 

Why do you assume that they would want you to come up to them and start addressing the fact that their mother is most likely in hell for all eternity? I know at times of deep loss, I appreciate knowing that people are praying for me, and my family, not to mention that prayer is what they need. Now if they come to you and open up about where their mom is spending eternity, that is a different matter.

 

There is really nothing that we can say that will take the pain away.

In a similar situation I have said that there are some things in this life that we just don't understand, that we just don't know. But I do know this - God is good. He will never leave you or forsake you, and He will be with you every step of the way.

Then sit long, talk, hug often, and cry right along with them. I've found that your presence means much more than your words.

 

Yes, you can to the extent that it is not up to you to bring it up.
Others here have given wise advice on what to say.