Brad Reaves
Nov 15
As a pastor, I want to encourage you that your presence matters more than you realize. In a world full of distractions, discouragement, and spiritual fatigue, God has given us the gift of each other. Every time you attend church, every time you pray with someone, every time you send someone a text or card, every time you show up, even when you’re running on empty, you strengthen the body of Christ.
The Bible reminds us in Romans 12 that we are “one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” That means the Holy Spirit intertwines our lives. We don’t walk, fight, or worship alone. When God’s family gathers, something supernatural happens. God uniquely meets His people, and He uses ordinary believers to bring extraordinary encouragement.
Let me encourage you today with how your presence matters:
1. Your presence strengthens others’ faith.
You may not realize it, but simply showing up can lift the spirits of someone who has been burdened all week. Your smile at the door, your voice in worship, and your open Bible during a sermon remind weary believers that their faith is worth holding onto. Sometimes the greatest gift we give is simply being present. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This kind of encouragement happens in a community. You may say to yourself, “Who am I? My faith isn’t strong, and I don’t know much.” But your presence is a witness to someone else that they can make it too.
2. Your presence displays the beauty of the Gospel.
When we gather as one—young and old, new believers and mature—we become a living testimony to the grace of God. The early church was marked by its devotion to worship, teaching, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). God may use your faithfulness to show the watching world that Christ is real and that His people are different because of Him.
3. Your presence helps carry others’ burdens.
Galatians 6:2 commands us to “bear one another’s burdens,” and that requires closeness. Some of you are going through hardships that feel overwhelming, some are grieving, seeking direction, or fighting private battles. When you show up, someone else can walk alongside you. When you show up, someone can pray with you. When you show up, someone can speak hope into your heart. And God will use your story, encouragement, and compassion to lighten someone else’s load.
4. Your presence keeps you spiritually anchored.
God created us to thrive in community, not isolation. Lone-ranger Christianity always leads to spiritual drift. But worshiping together, sitting under the Word together, serving together recalibrate our hearts and strengthen our walk. They remind us of the truth when the world tries to drown it out. They help us stay steady when life feels unstable.
Each believer matters to the body of Christ. Your faithfulness and presence help others grow stronger in their faith. Why not stop right now and encourage one of your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Nov 15
As a pastor, I want to encourage you that your presence matters more than you realize. In a world full of distractions, discouragement, and spiritual fatigue, God has given us the gift of each other. Every time you attend church, every time you pray with someone, every time you send someone a text or card, every time you show up, even when you’re running on empty, you strengthen the body of Christ.
The Bible reminds us in Romans 12 that we are “one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” That means the Holy Spirit intertwines our lives. We don’t walk, fight, or worship alone. When God’s family gathers, something supernatural happens. God uniquely meets His people, and He uses ordinary believers to bring extraordinary encouragement.
Let me encourage you today with how your presence matters:
1. Your presence strengthens others’ faith.
You may not realize it, but simply showing up can lift the spirits of someone who has been burdened all week. Your smile at the door, your voice in worship, and your open Bible during a sermon remind weary believers that their faith is worth holding onto. Sometimes the greatest gift we give is simply being present. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” This kind of encouragement happens in a community. You may say to yourself, “Who am I? My faith isn’t strong, and I don’t know much.” But your presence is a witness to someone else that they can make it too.
2. Your presence displays the beauty of the Gospel.
When we gather as one—young and old, new believers and mature—we become a living testimony to the grace of God. The early church was marked by its devotion to worship, teaching, and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). God may use your faithfulness to show the watching world that Christ is real and that His people are different because of Him.
3. Your presence helps carry others’ burdens.
Galatians 6:2 commands us to “bear one another’s burdens,” and that requires closeness. Some of you are going through hardships that feel overwhelming, some are grieving, seeking direction, or fighting private battles. When you show up, someone else can walk alongside you. When you show up, someone can pray with you. When you show up, someone can speak hope into your heart. And God will use your story, encouragement, and compassion to lighten someone else’s load.
4. Your presence keeps you spiritually anchored.
God created us to thrive in community, not isolation. Lone-ranger Christianity always leads to spiritual drift. But worshiping together, sitting under the Word together, serving together recalibrate our hearts and strengthen our walk. They remind us of the truth when the world tries to drown it out. They help us stay steady when life feels unstable.
Each believer matters to the body of Christ. Your faithfulness and presence help others grow stronger in their faith. Why not stop right now and encourage one of your brothers and sisters in Christ?
