From his study of the Scriptures, Bruce came to appreciate the Bible’s comforting promise that death is not the end of the journey. He understood that Jehovah God wants us to get to know Him and develop a close relationship with Him, just as Bruce did (John 17:3). As that relationship grows, it can become the strongest friendship of our lives. And just as we feel deep pain when we lose someone we love, Jehovah is also pained to see his friends die (Psalm 116:15). Bruce’s beliefs gave his life serenity and a deep sense of purpose.

The Bible explains that death is a state of unconscious rest, without pain or awareness (Ecclesiastes 9:5), and that Jehovah God lovingly remembers those who have fallen asleep in death (John 5:28-29). This provides a sure hope of the resurrection—when those who have died will be brought back to life here on earth under God’s Kingdom (Acts 24:15).

The Scriptures also describe that this restored life will take place on the earth as God originally intended—free from sorrow, pain, and suffering (Revelation 21:4). The Bible promises that this will be a reality in the near future under God’s Kingdom. Bruce held onto the hope that when he and others like him are restored to life, they will enjoy good health, and the pain he experienced will not even come to mind (Isaiah 33:24 ; Isaiah 65:17).

He also understood from the Bible that Jehovah feels deep compassion for those mourning the loss of a loved one. The Scriptures reassure us that He hears our cries of distress, is close to those who are brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17,18). He promises that if we seek His help, He will support us—like holding us by the hand—reminding us not to be afraid and that He will help us through this difficult time (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 41:13).

Bruce lived his life faithfully, with the expectation of life in a better new world. Our responsibility now is to evaluate the path of our lives and consider whether our decisions are leading us toward being in that promised new world—so that we can be there to give him a hug and welcome him back into our lives.

By meditating on God’s promises found in the Bible, you can have the hope and confidence that Bruce had—that we were not meant to live life with heartache and struggles, but instead can have the strength to endure now and look forward to a future filled with peace and purpose (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Like Bruce, we too can have hope and a life filled with peace and purpose.

If you would like to know more, you may send a message to the family through this website or visit JW.org.