Jesus Café Ministries - Scripture Squad - How can one be happy in heaven?

From: susan
How can one be happy in heaven knowing that they have loved ones in hell?

Dear Susan,
This is a difficult question that is not addressed specifically in the Bible. As believers in Jesus Christ, we know of many promises in Scripture that tell us about eternal life with Him. I'm looking forward to it!

Some verses come to mind from Revelation that may help in our understanding. The Apostle John says that he saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:3-4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Note that it says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes." Why were they (we) crying? We can only speculate. Perhaps we were crying because our sins, even as Christians, were revealed to the world. Perhaps we know of unbelievers who have faced the White Throne judgement and received the sentence in Revelation 20:15 "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This is difficult and heart breaking. We all know of people who may end up this way and it hurts.

But read on in Revelation 21:4 "There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Somehow, some way, God will remove the crying and pain! It will be gone forever! Praise His holy Name! We must simply have faith in Him and the promises in His Word.

- The Scripture Squad :
TCCaleb, WMomTCC & RuthCCC