In this electronic age, we can know intimate details of what’s going on in peoples’ lives, whether they are our neighbors, or they live on the other side of the world. Social networking sites such as Facebook provide opportunities for staying connected with others.
Facebook, like any other technological resource, can be used for good or evil. Christians need to learn to harness the means of the culture to help spread the love of Jesus. Social networking sites can be used as a tool to help us accomplish that end, but we should always combine social networking with personal interaction.
As the Son of God, Jesus didn’t actually have to be on the scene to perform a miracle:
“The centurion replied, ‘Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed….’ Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.’ And his servant was healed at that very hour.” (Matthew 8:8, 13)
Yet most of the time, Jesus healed through physical touch.
“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:3)
“But Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’” (Matthew 17:7)
Expressing kind, loving words through networking sites has its benefits, but let’s face it; a cyber-hug doesn’t always cut it. One of the most effective ways to express our love and sincere expression of compassion is through face-to-face interaction.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
We all have busy lives, but we can’t afford to lose physical interaction with others. There are some things that cannot be conveyed through written words, no matter how hard we try.
Tools like Facebook are a great supplement for building relationships, but let’s not allow these social networking sites to become a staple means of interaction. People need face to face interaction and physical touch. May we always follow the example Jesus:
“Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.” (Mark 1:41a)