#StrugglesSample

Presence is powerful. Yet why do so many of us settle for something less?

If you want to improve the quality of your relationships, then focus on one person at a time. If you want to see God’s Spirit present in the lives of those around you, then stop multi-tasking 24/7. If you want to show others the love of Christ, then make your presence known.

Actually get together with people. Be physically present with one another. Not digitally. Not virtually. Not just in the same chat room, but in the same living room. Make the time to love people face to face, not just keyboard to keyboard. If you want to get really crazy, don’t set a time limit on how long you’ll hang out or what you’ll discuss. In other words, just engage with someone. Give them your full attention.

When someone we love is hurting or needs encouragement, most people might say it would be nice to just tap out a text to them: “Hey, just thinking about you” or “Praying for you! Let me know if I can help.”

But we can do better than that. If we’re followers of Jesus, and we want others to know us by how much we love one another, surely we could think of something else we could do. You know that device you use to text with? It might be hard to remember, but what’s something else you can do with that device? That’s right! You can actually talk on that thing. It’s a lot harder, but maybe you could consider scrolling through your contacts, finding that person, tapping their number, and actually calling them on the phone. But what would you say? It’s just so awkward. I’d recommend starting with this: “Hey, how are you doing?”

And if you want to get really crazy, then sit down with them, face-to-face. It could be for lunch or for coffee, but it doesn’t have to be. Just ask them a few questions, and then just listen to them. If it seems appropriate, maybe you pray with them or give them a hug. Show them the respect of your undivided attention for the time you’re together. Show them how much you care.

Your presence is powerful.