What can make a farewell easier to deal with? - Farewells - TouchPoints

Ruth 1:8-9On the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me. May the Lord bless you with the security of another marriage.” Then she kissed them good-bye, and they all broke down and wept.

Parting with a thankful heart eases the way.

1 Samuel 20:42At last Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the Lord’s name. The Lord is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town.

Our heartache at saying good-bye can be softened by entrusting one another and each other’s loved ones into God’s care.

Genesis 24:58-60So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.” So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her. They gave her this blessing as she parted: “Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May your descendants be strong and conquer the cities of their enemies.”

We shouldn’t hold others back but allow the departure with a blessing! While Rebekah’s family would have preferred her to stay with them longer, they recognized that it was time for her to leave. When separation is inevitable, grieving the loss is appropriate, but we should also let go and trust God to bless the next chapter in the lives of our loved ones. God will be with our loved ones left behind just as surely as he will be with us as we go.

2 Timothy 1:4I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

We should joyfully anticipate the next meeting.