It is so easy to Facebook, Instagram, text, tweet, or email.
Though these are valuable communication tools, our culture is in danger of on neglecting face to face human contact.
In the US we spend an average of 7.4 hours staring at a screen!
According Quartz, “That breaks down to 147 minutes spent watching TV, 103 minutes in front of a computer, 151 minutes on a smartphones and 43 minutes with a tablet.”
These are not all bad communication tools, but spending so much time in front of a screens is taking away from our time with real people!
In the book of 2 John is a very short letter and John ends it like this.
“I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.” 2 John 1:12
John didn’t want to settle for communication via the technology of the day (writing). He wanted to see these people face to face for two reasons.
1. Some things are better said in person.
When you have something serious to discuss it is often best to talk face to face.
For example, don’t break up with someone over text! Most of the time clearing up relationships and “touch” conversations are better done in person. People need to see your face and feel your compassion when you are saying hard things. Written words don’t often convey how you really feel well.
2. Face to face communication yields the most joy.
The phrase “Then our joy will be complete” is important.
There is no substitute for the joy real human interaction.
One reason many or us are lonely and depressed is because we spend time more time with screens than with with people. We are simultaneously the most connected and the most lonely generation.
I encourage you this Christmas season to spend time with the people you love face to face. There is no substitute.
Check out this powerful video on loneliness and social media.
The Innovation of Loneliness from Shimi Cohen on Vimeo.
Share on Facebook or Twitter or post a comment. Get daily updates by subscribing by email. From my reading in 2 John in the One Year Bible New Testament.
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