The Gift of Presence
In our over connected and distracted world there is a lack of genuine personal connections. This often means the most generous thing we can offer another person is our full attention. Not a glance at our phone between their sentences. Not half-listening while assuming we know what they need and then mentally rehearsing our response. Full attention as in being present in body, mind, and spirit for genuine connection.
This kind of attention mirrors the heart of Jesus himself. Throughout the Gospels, we see Christ stopping for individuals when crowds pressed in around Him. He noticed the woman who touched His garment in a sea of people. He looked up at Zacchaeus hidden in a tree. He engaged the Samaritan woman at the well in the heat of the day when others would have hurried past. Each encounter reveals a Savior who really saw people and gave them the gift of His undivided presence.
While the most generous thing may be our attention, the most precious thing we can share is Jesus Christ. When we truly listen to someone, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work. We become His hands and feet, offering the ministry of presence that Christ modeled so perfectly. As Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Deep listening is an act of humility and love.
Consider each conversation as an incredible opportunity and divine appointment. The people that visit the ministry who seems chatty might be lonely. The young person coming to us might be desperate to be heard. The elderly person who comes often or repeats stories might simply need someone to talk to in order to feel valued. When we approach these moments with intentionality, we partner with God in His work of redemption and restoration.
James 1:19 instructs us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” This wisdom transforms relationships. When we resist the urge to interrupt, fix, or redirect, we communicate something profound: You matter. Your story matters. You are worth my time.
In a culture that commodifies attention and fragments focus, choosing to be fully present is radical and countercultural. Our best relationships are usually because we care about one another leading us to value what the other has to say. This simple approach lays the groundwork for the Gospel to land on fertile soil.
Today, look for your divine appointments. See each conversation not as an interruption but as an invitation to reflect Christ’s love through the simple, powerful gift of your complete attention. In these moments, we don’t just share information; we share ourselves. And ultimately, that lets us share Him more effectively.
