A Face to Face Joy

While reading 2 John I came across verse 12 which says “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

I have always loved the way John writes and shares his great love for “the brethren”. He loves them deeply and so often shares how he longs to be with them, face to face. It’s a love based on Christ. A love that desires to see the other keeping the faith, sharing the gospel and loving God. It’s a love that spurs one another on toward the work of Christ.

I am feeling that way myself today. I love to write down my thoughts, feelings and emotions, but so often when something really heavy is on my heart I find it difficult. I really want to connect and share with a dear sister through written word but so often I find the pages so very empty.

I mean it is JUST paper…there is no face, no smile or heard laughter.

To me, it’s the same in today’s ever growing “social media” relationships. Don’t get me wrong I love to hear what God is doing in the lives of my on-line friends. I have found it’s a great way to stay connected with one another, sharing pictures and what we are up to.

BUT…

A heart full of love pours itself out more freely face to face, than by words typed on a screen or on a page. There is a joy that is felt deep in one’s heart when hearing from a precious friend, face to face. To be able to share the works of Christ in our lives, or the latest lesson, trial or joy we have learned from.

The real joy of TRUE friendship, one based on a common faith, is complete when we are able to hear from a sister in  person. To see her face gives one great joy!

Don’t misunderstand my words, or my heart. I have some amazing sisters in Christ that I have met on-line through blogs, Facebook etc… and they have touched my life in very special and profound ways. I hold them dear to my heart.

And yet, at times, I need that face to face sharing with a sister who gets me, who understands and hears my heart. Sisters who really love me in spite of a momentary loss of my emotions, thinking etc..

We understand one another. We love deeply with the bond of Christ. So today, my dear sisters, my heart is longing to see you face to face…