Face To Face

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.

 

2 John 12

It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency—in business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication.

 

This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic device.

John knew that being face to face with those he ministered to was important. And for John, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn't as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. John's desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication.

Consider the following story about two businessmen: One of the businessmen needed to confront the other businessman about some problems they were having in a business deal. However, they did not live in the same town and the negotiations had stalled to some degree. They could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone, but the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. So the two men drove two hours to meet up halfway in order to be face to face—it meant all the difference. It reflected on both parties the seriousness about solving the problem even if it meant traveling and taking time out to meet face to face. It also showed the value of their business partnership and that it was worth the effort.

 

Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication; consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.