Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder 

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

Webster’s dictionary definition defines “Fonder” as: having an affection or liking

The old saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is usually in relation to people who are involved in long distant relationships or have been separated from each other due to complicated scenarios, military service or other reasons. While this common saying has been heard worldwide, most people tend to not believe it is true.  

A study conducted at Cornell University revealed that between couples involved in a long distant relationship, the longing for the person in combination with communication that involves meaningful conversation truly does make the heart grow fonder.  

Now, let’s take this saying and study and apply it to our relationship with God. Let’s say years ago we had a great belief and faith in God, but we gradually moved away from him as we lived our busy lives. Then, our busy lives became more complicated because we were making decisions based on emotion instead of faith and following the commandments.  

This type of situation often brings us as far away from God as you can possibly get, but at the same time, once you find your life has become a complete disaster, it causes you to fall to your knees and call out to God. At this point, your heart has grown fonder for God and his presence in your life.  

You now appreciate God and his role in your life, you pray, attend church services, read the Bible, apply lessons learned in the Bible to your own life and behavior. Chances are you have become a completely new and improved person.  

This most likely all happened because the absence of God in your life made your heart grow fonder for him. Now, your relationship with God is probably more powerful and filled with faith more than before. You have probably been able to notice how things in your life have suddenly become better now that you have mended your relationship with God. This has probably caused you to continue to improve your relationship with him and increase your faith.  

Surely, at some point, you will make the decision to never move away from God ever again. God has always been in your life and watching over you, he has never moved away from you or abandoned you. It’s you who moved away from him. So,  now that you are aware that absence makes the heart grow fonder, Are you ready to re-connect with God?  I am…

Wilson Alvarez, a lover of Jesus Christ had an early experience where he had a vision of the Risen Lord & instantaneously became a believer at the prime age of 3. Throughout his young life, he always felt protection and blessings and even though was not walking with the Lord, always acknowledged his blessings. It was when he turned 30, that he became a follower and prayed based on John 3:3 – “In order to enter the Kingdom of God, you must be born again.” Mr. Alvarez enjoys Men’s ministries and is active in the prison ministry movement where he gives weekly leadership and Christian talks. For ministry opportunities, please reach him at info@godsfishermen.org