"See You Later" How Should Christians View Goodbyes?

I'm not a fan of goodbyes. Then again, who is? Yet, the older we get, the more "goodbyes" there are to say. Some are easier than others. The death of a loved one is drastically more grievous than when a friend moves away. But in both cases, and all in between, we can feel the pull of eternity on our hearts; we begin to yearn for the day when there are no more goodbyes to be said.

In my day job lately, I've had to say goodbye to several coworkers. When you develop good connections with people you see frequently, it can be hard when they leave.

I'm reminded of Paul and the Ephesians in Acts 20:17-38. He and they all knew that this would be the last time they would see each other.

"And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship." - Acts 20:37-38

How did Paul spend his last few moments with these people whom he loved so much, and who loved him the same? He spent that time warning them, exhorting them. He gave them an example to follow. He reminded them who they were in Christ.

And that is an example to us as well, isn't it? Paul spent his days with the Ephesians keeping one eye on eternity. And when he met them again in Miletus, he did the same thing. He could have (and perhaps he did and it wasn't recorded) spent that time reminiscing over old times, laughing with the Ephesian elders about the good old days. But he spent that important time focusing on the most important things.

Do we treat times of parting as a time to encourage and exhort those with whom we part, to keep their eyes on Christ? Paul is certainly an example to follow here.

Ultimately though, these times remind us that this world is not our home. At least, that's something I see in them.

One day, we will be reunited with our loved ones who have trusted in Christ. No longer will we say goodbye, knowing that we will not see that person again. Well, in this world.

Which, I guess, is a good place to wrap this up. For believers, there really is no such thing as goodbye, is there?

It might be a long time until we see someone again, someone with whom we have parted ways. But in light of eternity, it is just a blink of an eye.

Of course we still grieve, but we do not grieve as the world does:

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 4:14

"Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18