“If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

There’s something powerful about eyeball-to-eyeball interaction. Scientists have proven that when we look someone in the eye, oxytocin is released in the brain, creating connection and intimacy. Satan knows this, which is why he works so hard to keep us isolated, behind screens, and at a distance from real human connection. It’s easy to hate people from afar. It’s easy to stay angry at someone you never have to face. But when you sit across from them, look them in the eye, and have an honest conversation, something shifts. Walls come down. Humanity is restored. Reconciliation becomes possible.

Jesus takes this so seriously that He says if you’re in the middle of worship and remember someone has something against you, stop worshiping and go make it right. That’s radical. God doesn’t want your songs or your service if your relationships are broken and you’re doing nothing about it. Maybe it’s time to put down your phone and have a real conversation with your spouse. Maybe it’s time to stop talking about that person and start talking to them. Maybe it’s time to leave the comfort of virtual relationships and show up in person, messy and vulnerable. Real discipleship happens face-to-face, and it’s worth the discomfort.

Reflect:

• Is there someone you need to go to face-to-face for reconciliation or deeper connection?
• How has technology or busyness kept you from the kind of eyeball-to-eyeball relationships God designed you for?
• Ask God for courage to initiate a face-to-face conversation with someone you’ve been avoiding or keeping at a distance.