Funeral sermons are powerful tools for reflection, healing, and hope. They provide a chance to honor a person’s life while offering comfort to those who remain. When the person who has passed was difficult, crafting the right message can be especially challenging.
A good sermon speaks to the complexities of life, acknowledges flaws, and points to the hope found in Christ. It must be rooted in Scripture, highlighting God’s grace and redemption. This article explores ten sermon themes, each offering a unique perspective for addressing a difficult life while focusing on God’s love and mercy.
Find a Heartfelt Funeral Sermon for a Difficult Person
#1. “The Power of Redemption”
Theme
Redemption is the central theme. It reminds us that no one is beyond God’s grace, no matter their struggles.
Scripture References
- Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
- Romans 3:24 – “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Key Verse
Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Message
Even the most difficult lives can be redeemed. No one is too far gone. God’s grace is sufficient for all. Redemption doesn’t mean perfection. It means forgiveness and transformation. Through Christ, we are made new, no matter our past.
Sample Sermon
“Today, we gather to reflect on a life marked by its struggles, its difficulties, and its imperfections. But in this moment, we turn our focus to the power of redemption. Redemption is the heart of the Christian message. It tells us that no matter what we face or how broken our lives may seem, God’s grace is greater still.
In Ephesians, we read that in Christ, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. And that’s what we cling to today. We are reminded that no matter how difficult or flawed a life may be, there is always the opportunity for redemption in Christ.
This isn’t about erasing the past or pretending that everything was perfect. It’s about the reality of transformation—God’s ability to take what was broken and make it new. For those who have been redeemed, the past no longer defines them. Through Christ, there is always a fresh start, a new beginning.
As we remember the life of [Name], we honor the journey they took, the challenges they faced, and the moments they may have struggled. Yet, we are reminded today that redemption is available for all who call on the name of Jesus Christ. In this moment, we don’t focus only on the past, but we also look forward with hope, knowing that redemption is still at work. May we all take comfort in the truth that no one is beyond God’s grace.”
#2. “Love in Unexpected Places”
Theme
God’s love can be found even in the most unexpected and difficult of circumstances.
Scripture References
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- 1 John 4:9 – “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
Key Verse
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Message
God’s love isn’t dependent on our actions. Even when we are at our worst, His love remains. Love can appear in the most difficult places, just as Christ’s sacrifice was made for us while we were undeserving.
Sample Sermon
“Today, we are reminded of God’s incredible love for us. Romans tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God didn’t wait for us to be perfect before offering His love; He gave it freely, even when we were undeserving. This is the kind of love we remember today.
As we reflect on [Name]’s life, we may think about the struggles, the difficulties, and the challenges they faced. But in the midst of all that, God’s love was still at work. Perhaps it wasn’t always visible. Maybe it didn’t show up in the ways we expected. But God’s love was present, even in the most unexpected places.
This love wasn’t based on behavior or perfection. It wasn’t conditional. It was constant. And that’s the same love that God offers each of us. Even when we feel unlovable, God’s love is always there. We don’t have to earn it; we can only receive it.
So today, as we remember the life of [Name], let us not just remember the struggles. Let us also remember the love—God’s love, which reaches us in our hardest moments. And may we leave here today knowing that God’s love is enough to cover all things, even our imperfections.”
#3. “The Unseen Good”
Theme
Even in a life that seemed difficult, there may have been unseen acts of goodness.
Scripture References
- 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
Key Verse
2 Corinthians 4:18 – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.”
Message
Sometimes, the good in a person’s life isn’t obvious. It’s hidden from our eyes, but God sees it. Even in their struggles, small acts of goodness and kindness can impact others. These are eternal in God’s eyes.
Sample Sermon
“As we gather to celebrate the life of [Name], we recognize that not everything in life is visible to our eyes. We see the struggles, the conflicts, the flaws. But there’s another side to every person’s story—hidden acts of goodness, kindness, and grace that often go unnoticed.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, because what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. God sees what we often miss. He sees the quiet acts of love, the moments when [Name] showed kindness or mercy when no one else was watching. Those moments may not have made headlines, but they are precious in the eyes of God.
We also remember that in Matthew, Jesus calls us the light of the world. Sometimes, we may not see the light in others, especially when life feels dark. But even the smallest flicker of light in a person’s life shines brightly in God’s kingdom. The good we do, no matter how small, has eternal value.
Today, as we honor [Name], let’s look beyond the difficulties and remember the unseen good—the moments of grace, the quiet acts of kindness, and the love that may have been hidden from our view but was seen by God. May this remind us that God values the unseen good, and in His eyes, it is never wasted.”
#4. “The Complexity of Human Nature”
Theme
Human nature is complex. We are all a mix of strengths and weaknesses, good and bad.
Scripture References
- Romans 7:18 – “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
- Galatians 5:17 – “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”
Key Verse
Romans 7:18 – “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
Message
Human nature is full of contradictions. We want to do good, but often fail. This struggle is part of the human experience. However, God understands our complexity and offers grace for all of it.
Sample Sermon
“Today, as we reflect on [Name]’s life, we must recognize the complexity of the human experience. In Romans, Paul says that he desires to do good, but struggles to carry it out. This is true for all of us. We have moments of greatness and moments of failure. We try, we stumble, and we fall. But God, in His mercy, understands this.
There’s no such thing as a perfect life. We all have our battles, our weaknesses, and our imperfections. But the good news is that God does not define us by our struggles. He sees us for who we are, not just what we have done. Through Christ, we are given grace—grace to cover our mistakes, grace to forgive our failures, and grace to start again.
Let us not look at [Name]’s life and focus only on their flaws. Let us also see the good, the moments of growth, and the attempts to love, to change, and to be better. God understands the contradictions of the human heart, and He offers us His grace to cover it all.
In your own life, you too may struggle with your own complexities. But just as God extends His grace to [Name], He extends it to you. Let us all find peace in the knowledge that we are loved, even in our complexity.”
#5. “The Gift of Understanding”
Theme
God offers understanding, even in difficult times, helping us see beyond surface actions.
Scripture References
- Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
- James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Key Verse
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.”
Message
In times of grief and difficulty, it’s easy to judge. But God offers wisdom and understanding. When we ask Him, He helps us see with His eyes, offering peace in moments of confusion.
Sample Sermon
“Understanding isn’t always immediate, but God promises to give it freely when we seek it. As we face the loss of [Name], we may be filled with confusion, with questions, and with grief. But today, we remember that God offers wisdom, even in our pain. James encourages us to ask God for understanding, and He will give it to us.
Sometimes, we don’t understand why things happen the way they do. We don’t have the answers, and that’s okay. But we can trust that God is with us, offering wisdom and peace when we ask.
So today, as we reflect on [Name]’s life, we also ask God to help us understand the moments that don’t make sense. We trust that His wisdom will guide us, His peace will comfort us, and His understanding will give us strength. Let us not leave here in confusion, but in the trust that God is with us, even in our most difficult moments, offering wisdom and understanding for the journey ahead.”
#6. “A Life of Imperfections, Under God’s Grace”
Theme
We all live with imperfections, but God’s grace covers them.
Scripture References
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
- Romans 5:20 – “But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
Key Verse
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Message
Life is full of imperfections. We all struggle. Yet, it is in our weakness that God’s grace shines brightest. His grace doesn’t require perfection; it covers our flaws and lifts us up.
Sample Sermon
“Today, as we reflect on the life of [Name], we cannot ignore the imperfections that marked their journey. Like all of us, [Name] faced struggles. None of us are perfect, and neither was [Name]. Yet, it is in those very imperfections that God’s grace is most powerfully displayed.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes that God’s grace is sufficient for us and that His power is made perfect in weakness. We might think that weakness is something to hide, to avoid, but God tells us that it is in our weakest moments that His strength shines the brightest. And that is the hope we cling to today.
We don’t need to be perfect for God to love us or use us. [Name]’s life, like all of ours, was filled with moments of weakness, but it was also filled with God’s grace. It is this grace that we celebrate today—not just for the moments of triumph, but for the moments of struggle, knowing that God’s grace covered all of it.
As we mourn today, let us also rejoice in the fact that God’s grace is more than sufficient for all of our weaknesses. No matter how imperfect we are, His grace remains constant and sufficient, and it is through that grace that we find hope.”
#7. “Finding Peace in Imperfection”
Theme
True peace comes not from perfection, but from trusting in God’s will.
Scripture References
- Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Key Verse
Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Message
Perfection is not required for peace. True peace comes from trusting in God, even in the midst of imperfection. It transcends understanding and guards our hearts.
Sample Sermon
“As we gather today to honor [Name], we must remember that true peace does not come from living a perfect life. Life is not perfect, and neither was [Name]’s. Yet, there is peace available to all of us, a peace that comes not from our circumstances but from trusting in God.
Philippians tells us that God’s peace transcends all understanding. This peace doesn’t require us to have everything figured out or perfect. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds when we place our trust in Christ.
[Name] may have faced struggles, and they may not have always had peace in the way we expect. But the promise of God’s peace remains. It is a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that doesn’t come from our efforts, but from God’s presence in our lives.
As we reflect on [Name]’s life today, let’s remember that peace doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from trusting in God, even in the midst of our imperfections. God’s peace is available to all who seek it, no matter where they are on their journey. Let that peace guard our hearts today as we find comfort in God’s presence.”
#8. “The Path of Transformation”
Theme
God’s work in our lives is a journey of transformation.
Scripture References
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Key Verse
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Message
Transformation is a continual process. Through Christ, we are made new, and that change takes time. We are all on a journey of becoming more like Him.
Sample Sermon
“Today, we remember the life of [Name], and we are reminded that transformation is a continual process. We are all being shaped and molded into the image of Christ, but that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey.
2 Corinthians reminds us that if we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. But that transformation takes time. We may not see it all at once, but God is constantly at work in us, shaping us, refining us.
[Name]’s life was a part of that journey of transformation. There were moments of growth, times of struggle, and moments of change. And that’s the same for all of us. No one is perfect, and no one has fully arrived. But we are all on a path, moving towards the person God has created us to be.
Let us take comfort in the fact that God is still at work in each of us. The journey may be long, and we may face obstacles, but God is faithful to complete the work He has started in us. As we remember [Name], let us hold onto the hope that transformation is possible for us all in Christ.”
#9. “God’s Unfailing Love”
Theme
God’s love never fails, regardless of circumstances.
Scripture References
- Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
- Romans 8:39 – “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Key Verse
Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
Message
God’s love is constant and unchanging. Nothing in life, no matter how difficult, can separate us from His love.
Sample Sermon
“One of the most comforting truths we can hold on to today is that God’s love never fails. In Jeremiah, God says, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love.’ This is the love that has no beginning and no end. It is constant, unchanging, and always present, no matter what we go through.
For [Name], this love was evident in their life, even through the challenges. And for us, it is the same love that sustains us through our grief today.
Romans tells us that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. No circumstance, no hardship, no sorrow can change God’s love for us. That love remains firm, steadfast, and secure.
Today, as we remember [Name], let us be reminded that God’s love is greater than anything we face. It is the one constant that never fades. And this love will continue to be with us as we walk through the days ahead, just as it was with [Name] during their life.”
#10. “The Hope of Eternal Peace”
Theme
In Christ, there is the hope of eternal peace after this life.
Scripture References
- Revelation 21:4 – “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.”
- John 14:2-3 – “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
Key Verse
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
Message
Our hope is not just in this life but in the eternal peace that Christ promises. After all the struggles of this world, there is a place of perfect peace waiting for us.
Sample Sermon
“Today, as we gather in grief, we do so with a hope that transcends this world. Revelation reminds us that there will come a day when God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning. All pain will be gone, and peace will reign forever.
This is the eternal peace we hold onto today as we remember [Name]. This life is not the end. Jesus promised us in John 14 that He is preparing a place for us, a place where there is no more suffering, no more sorrow. [Name] has now entered that eternal rest, free from pain and filled with peace in the presence of God.
We take comfort today in the hope that we too will one day experience this eternal peace. Though we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope. The promise of eternal peace in God’s presence is our assurance that death is not the end, but the beginning of a perfect peace that lasts forever.”
Closing Thoughts
As we close this time of reflection, let us remember that even in the face of life’s challenges and imperfections, God’s grace, love, and peace are always available. Today, we have been reminded that redemption, transformation, and eternal peace are promises that hold firm for all who trust in Christ.
Though we grieve the loss of [Name], we do so with hope, knowing that God’s love never fails and His promises are true. Let us carry these truths in our hearts as we go forward, finding comfort in the assurance that God is with us through every moment of life and beyond.