What are some good ways to say good-bye? - Farewells - TouchPoints

Acts 20:36-38When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.

Praying together and being open and honest about the pain of parting are important parts of healthy good-byes.

Philemon 1:7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

Before parting, we should thank people for what they have meant to us.

Genesis 12:4So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed.

Seeing God’s hand in our circumstances and following God’s call in our lives will give us greater security as we say good-bye, especially when parting is not easy.

Acts 20:32“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.”

We can take great comfort in knowing that even when we must say farewell, God will take care of those we leave. Though we are far apart, God is near us all.

2 Timothy 4:7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

Parting is easier if we have lived in such a way as to minimize regrets and unfinished business. We should live each day with others as if we had to say good-bye tomorrow.

Psalm 139:9-10If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

We should remember that God is the constant in our lives. We will never say good-bye to him or he to us. No matter where we must go, God’s hand will guide us and give us the strength needed for the task ahead.