The Gift of Presence

“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” —1 John 3:18 (NLT)

Love is more than something we say—it’s something we show. And one of the most meaningful ways we show love is by giving someone our focused attention. In other words, we give them our time.

When you give someone your time—whether it’s your child, spouse, friend, or someone else—you’re giving them one of the most valuable gifts you have. Why? Because time is your most precious resource.

We all have different amounts of energy, money, and opportunity, but every one of us receives the same 168 hours each week. We get to choose how we use them.

Every minute you give away is a minute you’ll never get back. The same is true of every hour and every day. You may be able to earn more money, but you can’t earn more time. Your days are limited—and so are mine.

That’s why we should carefully consider how we spend our time. An hour spent watching television is an hour of our lives we won’t get back. That doesn’t necessarily mean it was wasted, but it’s worth asking: Was it worth it? Is this how I want to spend the time God has given me?

When we give someone our undivided attention, we’re saying, “You matter to me. You are valuable. You are worth listening to.”

That means putting down the phone, turning off the distractions, making eye contact, and being fully present. Sometimes love looks less like a grand gesture and more like sitting beside someone and truly listening.

Ephesians 5:2 says, “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us” (NLT). Jesus showed His love through sacrifice. He didn’t simply tell us He loved us—He gave Himself for us.

We can give without loving, but we cannot truly love without giving. Love often means setting aside what we would rather do so we can serve someone else. It may be inconvenient. It may require sacrifice. But that’s what makes it love.

This week, think about the people God has placed in your life. Who needs your focused attention? Who needs you to slow down, listen, and be fully present?

Don’t merely say that you love them. Show them—with your actions, your attention, and your time.