That joy would be complete . . . give to each other the better gift. Take to them yourself in fullness; for the written is not as the presence, and the pen not as the touch. As the eyes are the windows of the soul, so the mouth speaks directly of the heart. The spirit is missed in absence, and distance brings misunderstanding. Walk along with one another. Reach, that touch also speaks. The laying of hands is with power, and embrace a strong messenger. Greet one another with gladness, and speak with love in tone and speech. For this is the way of My design that you would know one another fully, as I know each fully, and the brotherhood of the believers would be as one. Seek one another in time, that your eyes may speak as well.
2 John 12 (ESV) – Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Bottom Line: In our current “distanced” working world, and the covid-world in general, we are becoming more and more separated in our communications. Video calls, emails, texts, and abbreviated messages are the norm, so much so, that face-to-face communication is becoming far too scarce. Although the written word is powerful, we can’t underestimate ‘real’ time spent together – eye-to-eye, smile-to-smile. The Word of God points us past the fear, past the keyboard, to remind us that there is greater joy in-person. Who do you need to visit? A lonely relative, a forgotten friend, or great employee? Go . . . give and receive some joy today. Smiles are still plenty safe, and for many a heart, oh so necessary!
