How can we be present in the lives of those we love?

Job 2:11-13When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Until they opened their mouths, Job’s friends did exactly what they needed to do. They were present with their friend. We are always on dangerous ground when we assume the permission to explain other people’s experience, especially their sufferings, to them.

Proverbs 17:17A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Proverbs 18:24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

We can be loyal friends ready to be of assistance when called upon. Friendship itself serves as a presence in someone’s life, even when we are not physically present with them.

Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

We can sympathize and empathize with others, we can be concerned with their spiritual life, and we can share God’s comfort with them. Because God is with us and in us, we bring his presence into any situation we enter.

Luke 1:42-44Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.”

John 2:1-2The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.

John 11:19Many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

We can choose to participate in important life events with others. Our presence in both grief and celebrations can leave lasting impressions, opening doors for us to deeply influence and bless the lives of others.

2 John 1:12I [John] have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

3 John 1:14I [John] hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.

We can choose to communicate with others. Face-to-face encounters are certainly a form of being present in someone’s life. But so is a phone call, a letter, an email, or any other sort of communication from a distance.

Psalm 55:14What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

Luke 2:5He [Joseph] took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

Romans 15:23-24Now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.

We can choose to have fellowship with one another. Heart to heart, mind to mind, person to person, we are in a position to resonate deeply with one another. This is more than merely being in the same place at the same time. It involves shared purposes, experiences, and a mutual desire to honor God.

Matthew 18:20“Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

We can join one another in prayer and other shared spiritual responsibilities, which may include confronting one another in love. Jesus promises his special presence when his followers are demonstrating their identity as such.

Psalm 22:25I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.

Psalm 116:14I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

We can choose to provide accountability for one another. Keeping promises is easier with the help of a friend.