Technology has been a huge asset for communication in the last 10+ years. There are many positives technology has brought about. The ability to Facetime/ Video Conference while away from family has brought people in distance places closer together. Email allows one the ability to write a letter or send a document in a split second. All forms of social media allow “old friends” to reacquaint once again after years of absence.
But with the positives come some negatives. No matter how good technology is, one can’t replicate the actual physical presence of being in a place when needed. Sitting with a family member who just received terrible news, hugging a friend that just lost a job, sitting & listening to a loved one who is going through a very difficult time.
Online activity can cause us to lose the true intimacy of friendships. Sure you may have 1,784 “friends” on Facebook, but how many of them do you actually spend quality time with and have a meaningful relationship? You may have 476 “followers” on Instagram or Twitter, but how many of those are true friendships? How can one have a deep relationship only through technology? It’s impossible. Nothing can take the place of actually being there.
We must truly build relationships. Not just acquaintances. Jesus said in John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” We must love one another because Jesus loved us. We must treat others in ways that show the sacrificial love of Jesus. Don’t let technology get in the way of loving others the way Christ meant for us love.
