Marriage from A to Z

“Let’s talk face to face!”

Today we live in a world where people are more likely to communicate via text, email, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook or some type of social media.  Technology has driven us to the point that we are having less face to face conversations.  There is so much that our relationships lose when when we don’t talk face to face.  This week, I want to encourage you to have more face to face talks with the ones that you love. 

In the midst of one of my devotions, I was reading a passage and the words FACE TO FACE leaped off the page.  I want to share it with you.

III John verses 13 and 14 (NIV):  “I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.”

John is saying that he has a lot to say, but he doesn’t want to write it or text it (lol). That is a lesson right there, when you have a lot to say, don’t text it!   He is saying that he will wait to talk face to face. This chapter is about the need for showing hospitality.  Talking face to face is demonstrating hospitality.  As we work on building better relationships with our spouse, children, friends and family, there comes a time when you really need to talk face to face.  Put the phone and the computer down, and talk face to face.  Make time!  Have you ever noticed that people will write things in a text or an email, that they will never say to you face to face?  Why is this?

Sometimes, we don’t even realize that we are allowing technology to rob us of the blessings that come with talking face to face.   Here are some benefits that other forms of communicating can never provide:

1. You get to have live feedback
2. You get to see a person’s facial expressions 
3.  You get to see their body language (nonverbal, conscious or unconscious gestures and movements that have a lot to do with interpreting what is being said)
4. You can hear the tone of voice
5. You can better interpret a person’s feelings

Be intentional about scheduling some time to talk face to face!  One day my son and I were both in the house but in different rooms, and he sent me a text to ask a question.  I was getting ready to respond in a text, but the Lord stopped me.  He said go into the room where your son is and talk face to face.   In some situations you should not settle for a text or a phone conversation, meet face to face.   Check yourself and your relationships.  Is God calling you to meet with someone to talk face to face?

Until next time . . .

Carolyn