Cultivation | Friday | 10/30

Your Presence Matters

Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. ²⁵ Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

Some of the most influential people in your life probably weren't the most impressive people you've ever met.

They may not have been especially talented.

They may not have had all the right answers.

They may not have accomplished anything particularly extraordinary.

But they showed up.

They were present when you needed someone.

They remembered your name.

They listened when life became difficult.

They encouraged you when you were discouraged.

They continued loving you when things weren't easy.

And their presence helped cultivate something good and beautiful in your life.

Hebrews tells us not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another.

We often hear that passage as a reminder that we should attend church.

And gathering together certainly matters.

But what if we thought about our presence differently?

Instead of asking, “What did I get out of church today?”

What if we asked:

“What did my presence make possible for somebody else today?”

Maybe someone needed your encouragement.

Maybe someone needed to know they weren't alone.

Maybe someone simply needed you to show up.

A good and beautiful community isn't built by demanding perfection from one another.

It's cultivated as imperfect people continue abiding in Jesus and showing up for one another.

We are cultivated through our presence with Christ.

And we cultivate a good and beautiful community through our presence with one another.

Reflect: 

Who has helped shape your life simply by showing up? How might your presence become a gift to someone else this week?

Pray: 

Jesus, thank you for the people whose presence has helped shape my life. Teach me to offer that same gift to others. Help me show up, encourage, forgive, and make room for the people around me. As I abide in you, let your love bear beautiful fruit through my life. Amen.