But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you for a short time . . . we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. —1 Thessalonians 2:17
If you want to minister to others, you can’t do it from a distance. You can’t stay in your home or office all the time and think, I’ll just love people from here. No, true ministry is relational; it’s up close and personal.
Jesus lived out this example for us throughout the Gospels. When He chose His disciples, Scripture says He chose them to be “with him” (Mark 3:14). At the Last Supper, He said, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you” (Luke 22:15). He shows us the importance of being “with” those we love and serve in person.
Face to face is ideal, but it’s not always easy— and it’s not always possible. When you can’t love someone in person, you can still have a heart for them. You can find ways to minister, bless, encourage, and exhort them.
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“Portrait of an Effective Servant” (Revive Our Hearts series)
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
How can you be “with” those you love and serve today, whether you’re able to be with them in person or not?