In reading through the second and third letters of John, I was struck
by his closing statements:
2 John v.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.
3 John v. 13: I had
much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope
to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
The apostle John clearly preferred ‘face to face’ talk to
letter writing. I, along with many others appreciate the apostle’s sentiment.
Why?
I offer the following explanation.
Why?
I offer the following explanation.
·
Face
to face communication involves the whole person. In face to face communication
we engage verbally (by use of words) and non- verbally (by means of body
language). Our body language (facial gestures, posture etc.) contributes much
to the process of communication. The
problem with letters, emails and other electronic messaging and even the cell phone
or the telephone is that we just do not have a living person immediately before
us. We cannot look into their eyes and see the emotions reflected there.
·
Face
to face communication allows for immediate questioning and clarification. There
is no time delay. No anxious waiting for a response. Potential
misunderstandings are quickly dealt with. Misconceptions are mostly cleared up immediately.

Although a written note is not unhelpful at times, a face to
face conversation, together with the human touch is infinitely better. In the
Christian ministry we find ourselves, more often than not, better off for
having dealt with a conflict or crisis or a complicated matter by seeing people
face to face.