Complicated

I live long-distance from my best friend, and sometimes, it’s terrible. I miss her tons, and even though we video chat often, I usually go months without seeing her in person. The Bible stresses the importance of having a good Christian community, but what do you do when a part of that community is close in your heart, but not close on a map?

Take a look at John 11. Jesus demonstrated love for His friends when He visited Mary and Martha after their brother Lazarus had died. Jesus took time to mourn with His friends and listen to what they had to say. And then He performed a miracle and raised their brother from the dead! This miracle was just a preview of the resurrection all Christians will have when Jesus returns—because Jesus overcame sin and death through His own resurrection.

Before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He promised His followers that He would always be with them (Matthew 28:20). As I look at Jesus, I know I can still be a presence in my friend’s life, even if I can’t always physically travel to her.

Because the Holy Spirit lives inside Christians, we have a special connection with other people who have put their trust in Jesus. In a letter to Christians in Colossae, Paul writes, “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit†(Colossians 2:5).

One of the ways my friend and I stay present in each other’s lives is by praying for each other often. If I have an event that I’m anxious about, I’ll ask her to pray for me and vice versa. When we video chat, I listen earnestly to what she has going on in her life, and she does the same for me. We both offer support and advice when the other one needs it. Being friends over a long distance is difficult, but we both try to practice Christ-like love, even from far away. • Naomi Zylstra

• Is there someone you love who lives far away? What’s one way you can show them that you love them?

• When we miss people we love, Jesus invites us to tell Him about it. He mourns with us, and He listens to everything we have to say. How might it give you comfort to know that Jesus is this kind of friend to you?

For though I [Paul] am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit… Colossians 2:5 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Ps.71.20|2Cor.1.3|2Cor.12.5-2Cor.12.10