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If we’re honest, we all know that while our ability to stay in touch with other people in our lives is greatly enhanced by technology, it’s not the same thing as actually being together and sharing the important events of our lives.

It’s one thing to watch the live video of a child’s first birthday party; it’s another to actually taste the cake, hold the little one, feel her breath blowing out the single candle, and hear her laughter in your ear as you hold her close. As much as our tech-providers and gadget companies want us to believe that we can stay connected wherever we are and whatever we’re doing, it’s not the same as being there.

Technology’s impact on our ability to relate, to communicate, and to connect with other people also has some unintended negative consequences. If we want to be good stewards of the amazing capabilities that technology affords us today, we have to navigate this very carefully.

While it’s undeniable that we can connect with others in so many meaningful ways, if we invest too much of our lives into social media, and especially if we do so with selfish motives, then that can actually hurt our relationships, even robbing us of that which God values most. It really all depends on how we choose to use it. At our church, we’ve absolutely seen the fruits of doing ministry through social media and other forms of technology. I would even go so far as to say it’s okay to love it—but we have to manage it.

We have to make sure technology is enhancing our relationships, not replacing them. We need to ensure our ability to communicate doesn’t prevent us from talking more while actually saying less. We must focus on loving other people more than Liking them.

Today, instead of commenting on a loved one’s latest pics on Pinterest, write them a note or postcard—you know, by hand—and let them know how much you appreciate them. Maybe you call someone rather than text. Or perhaps you drop by for a quick visit instead of calling. Rather than relying on technology as the conduit for your relationships, engage at a deeper level.

Let others see your love by your presence, not your wi-fi coverage.