Technology is helpful, but it can also hinder communication. As the apostle John told Gaius, it’s hard to fully convey all that is in our heart when we’re not with the other person (3 John 1:13-14). If John were writing his third epistle today, he might sign off: “I don’t want to call, text, or tweet my thoughts. I hope to come over soon, and then we’ll talk face to face.”
John knew the power of face-to-face communication because he was a believer in Jesus. In his gospel he revealed that this is how God conveyed His love to us: “The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14). God didn’t reveal His love in a blog post or social media update. He showed us His love by showing up in skin.
The power of touch can be intimidating. It often seems safer to retreat behind technological walls, commenting to those who aren’t with us rather than speaking with those who are. It’s easier not to make eye contact as we share our deepest feelings via characters on a screen.
Here’s the thing: We must open ourselves to the face of Jesus to fully experience His love. John says that soon Jesus will return, and “we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2). In that moment we’ll understand that we couldn’t possibly be more known or loved. Jesus already sees us as we really are, and He unconditionally accepts all who receive His unfathomable grace. This deeply personal love is best shared with others in person (3 John 1:13-14). If we want to reach others, we must be willing to do so face to face.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 16:1-36
More:
Read Revelation 1:9-20 to learn what happens when a person truly comes into contact with Jesus.
Next:
How might you use and/or limit technology to deepen your friendships? With whom do you need to sit down and have a face-to-face conversation that will bring God glory?
Gary Shultz on February 12, 2015 at 6:54 am
Jesus was a face to face person while on earth. Some actors replicate a riveting gaze as they portray Jesus. I’m sure most of us imagine what it will be like to look into the face of our Savior. Even now words can not describe what the heart feels. Jesus was also a man of touch with His powerful presence. I hope the only tablets in heaven may possibly be the commandments and some scrolls. I’ll be having a spiritual connection that will surpass electric. Thanks for the connection reminder.
Mike Wittmer on February 12, 2015 at 7:56 am
And think of John’s vision in Revelation 1. When Jesus reveals even a bit of His glory, His best friend falls to the ground as a dead man, overwhelmed.
Tom Felten on February 12, 2015 at 9:15 am
Mike, as a local body of believers, we’re striving to reach out and share God’s compassion and plan of salvation with others. This means doing so face to face. As we spend time individually and corporately coram deo (before the face of God), our faces and lives will reflect God’s own more and more.
witor on February 12, 2015 at 10:02 am
Technology is helpful, but it can also hinder communication. … how very true, with the advances in technology we often forget those who don’t keep up. In my church we have many who do not get on facebook, twitter, or the internet at all. So a question arises, how do we get Our Daily Bread, Our Daily Journey etc to them?
Tom Felten on February 12, 2015 at 10:13 am
Good question, witor. Our Daily Bread and Our Daily Journey are available in a print version in many regions of the world (click on the banner above for print version availability).