How can we compensate for the times when we cannot be physically present?

Genesis 31:43-50Laban replied to Jacob, “These women are my daughters, these children are my grandchildren, and these flocks are my flocks—in fact, everything you see is mine. But what can I do now about my daughters and their children? So come, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and it will be a witness to our commitment.” So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a monument. Then he told his family members, “Gather some stones.” So they gathered stones and piled them in a heap. Then Jacob and Laban sat down beside the pile of stones to eat a covenant meal. . . . Then Laban declared, “This pile of stones will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today. . . May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight. If you mistreat my daughters or if you marry other wives, God will see it even if no one else does. He is a witness to this covenant between us.”

1 Samuel 20:10-15Then David asked, “How will I know whether or not your father is angry?” “Come out to the field with me,” Jonathan replied. And they went out there together. Then Jonathan told David, “I promise by the Lord, the God of Israel, that by this time tomorrow, or the next day at the latest, I will talk to my father and let you know at once how he feels about you. If he speaks favorably about you, I will let you know. But if he is angry and wants you killed, may the Lord strike me and even kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live. May the Lord be with you as he used to be with my father. And may you treat me with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die, treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David.

1 Samuel 20:41-42As soon as the boy was gone, David came out from where he had been hiding near the stone pile. Then David bowed three times to Jonathan with his face to the ground. Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David. At 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.

1 Samuel 23:18So the two of them [David and Jonathan] renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh.

We can be faithful to our relationships with one another. Though physically apart, two caring persons can remain faithful to their commitments to each other and provide emotional and spiritual support at a distance.

1 Corinthians 5:3-4Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.

Philippians 1:7, 27So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. . . . Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

Philemon 1:12I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.

We can choose to show concerned, committed, proactive love for others. True love and our demonstrations of it does not diminish with distance.

3 John 1:15Peace be with you. Your friends here send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there.

We can effectively communicate in ways other than face to face. The concerted effort to stay in touch is in fact a demonstration of love.

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 can longingly anticipate our reunion with others.