5,912. That’s the number of times the word “with” is used in the Bible (NIV). Some have asserted that “with” is the word Jesus used more often than any other word. I don’t know if that’s true or not. If it’s true, I don’t know that it’s strikingly significant. But it may be.
The angel interrupted Joseph’s sleep with Isaiah’s prophecy, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means ‘God with us’.” In Mark 3:14, Jesus appointed twelve apostles “that they might be with him”. Luke records the promise of Jesus to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (23:43). In John 14:23, Jesus assures his followers, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him”. And don’t forget Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.
I can’t help but wonder…what’s up with “with”?
“With” is a wonderful word. It suggests companionship and comfort and community. Some of life’s greatest joys are heightened when shared with someone else. Many of life’s deepest hurts begin to heal when shared with others. How many times have you been soothed or strengthened by someone who was simply with you? It wasn’t necessarily their actions or their words that made the difference—it was their presence. They were with you. And that was what you needed.
Who needs a little “with” time? All of us, some of the time. When overwhelmed with loneliness, worn down with worry, burdened by pressure, broken by shame or regret, what we need is for someone to come beside us and be with us in that place. There may be nothing about that place that may instantly change, but we may be changed simply by the presence of one who has come to be with us there.
The magnet on my file cabinet reminds me to remind others, “It’s okay, you’re with family”. May we all remember, as we go into the world everyday, we go not to judge, nor condemn, nor shun. We go to be with those who need someone to be with them.
Sometimes love is spelled w-i-t-h, especially to those who are without.
Dennis Lynn
Redwood Church
