John’s Second Epistle

2 Jno. 12-13

Face to Face

¹² 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.

¹³ The children of your elect sister greet you. – 2 Jno. 12,13

John was not a cold, academic writer, who merely dealt with facts or data. He was writing to people, people he loved who were loved by God. John has rejoiced greatly, hearing of his fellow Christians walking in the truth, as commanded by the Father (see verse 4).

So, you do not expect John to just abruptly end the letter. There is an affection in John that was active in writing these closing words. Still inspired by the Spirit, he is also a real man with real feelings of warmth and hope for these people.

Here’s an important observation from the end of this epistle. He does not write in any way against the value of written communication. But his affection for the people causes him to say, in essence, I would rather be there with you, and that’s what my hope is.

What does this say to us today? It says, there is great value in FACE TO FACE contact with one another. Not FACEBOOK TO FACEBOOK, but face to face, personal contact.

Paper and ink has its’ place, even email and texting. But may we never get away from personal, face to face relationship.