Wednesday, October 1, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 7

I’m 46, and I attend kids’ birthday parties and weddings, go to the zoo and Friday night football games, and adopt new hobbies like pickleball. I pretend my wife, Erica, forces these intrusions on me, but amidst the monotone complaining, I always decide to go. 

This wasn’t always the case. My response to kids’ birthday invites in my single years was, “WHAT I LOOK LIKE SHOWING UP TO A KID’S PARTY?” (The “do” is purposely omitted to show emphasis - it’s a thing!) Frequent negotiations and reminders marked my early marital years. “I’ll go to Seaworld, if I can get Call of Duty: Black Ops.” Or, “I missed Kobe to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks!” 

I’d probably still respond with, “WHAT I LOOK LIKE WATCHING SOME ANIMALS?” But it’s all in jest.

Showing up is part of building healthy relationships. I don’t think my grandfather missed many of my baseball games since that was his sport of choice, but I do remember when he witnessed that tackle at my 8th-grade football game and attended senior night to walk the field with me. 

Showing up isn’t about your likes and comfort zones. It’s not about you at all.

Romans 12:15
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Scripture teaches us that Jesus came with a heart full of intent. John 11:35 proclaims that “Jesus wept” when he showed up for Mary after Lazarus’ death. Luke 19:1-10 recounts Jesus' dining with Zacchaeus, which leads to a change of heart. In John 4:4-42, Jesus listened to the Samaritan Woman and offered her “living water.” 

You can’t fully engage in a relationship if you don’t engage with others’ experiences. The same is true if you don’t allow others the opportunity to experience your life. How?

Gestures can be small or big, depending on the stage of the relationship. You don’t have to run a 5K with your friend, but you can show up to cheer them on. You avoid going to the coffee shop with a parent because you don’t like coffee, so go and order tea. Your kid stopped sharing because your phone is always in your hand, so put it down and prove you can listen. 

To you, it might not seem to matter much. But for the people you love, simply showing up to support them makes all the difference.

Questions: 
How has a lack of showing up hurt your relationships? 

What can you change in your life to show up more?

Next Steps:
Be present by turning off devices during conversations. Be willing to participate in activities that don’t interest you – joining a small group with a friend is a thoughtful gesture to offer support.

Prayer: 
God, teach me what it means to show up with more than good intentions. How can I be more thoughtful with open hands and listening ears? Please make me faithful in my friendships and family. I want others to know my presence can be a refuge. I want to meet others where they are to offer a glimpse of my heart for you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.