#struggles: Part 2 - "Relationships" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

They Will Know We Are Disciples by Our Love

Scripture References

Primary text

• John 13

Other references

• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Romans 12:9
• 1 Peter 4:8
• 1 John 3:18

Overview

The message confronts how a selfie-centered, technology-driven culture is reshaping our relationships. Jesus’ words in John 13—“Love one another… by this everyone will know you are My disciples”—frame the entire talk. While social media offers real benefits, unchecked use erodes genuine intimacy. Pastor Craig identifies the losses, then calls believers to reclaim face-to-face presence and deeply engaged love so the world can recognize Christ in us.

Main Points

1. How technology is changing relationships

• The term “friend” has shifted: 328 Facebook “friends” may equal only two close, real-life companions; 25 % of Americans report zero close friends.
• We crave immediate affirmation: every like, comment, or notification releases dopamine, creating addiction and “deferred loneliness”—living for likes while longing for love.
  • Illustration: Pastor’s instant burst of happiness when his daughter texted “I’m really proud of you.”
  • Illustration: Live selfie on stage to show how quickly affirmation arrives.
• Friendship on our own terms: texts can be ignored, posts can be unfollowed, relationships are curated and controlled from a distance.

2. Jesus’ standard: radical, sacrificial love (John 13)

• After washing the disciples’ feet—a shocking act of humility—Jesus issues a new command: love one another as He loved us.
• Not theology, church attendance, or stickers but observable love identifies true disciples.

3. The power of presence (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Scripture urges believers to “not neglect meeting together” but motivate one another toward love and good works.
• God did not shout love from heaven; He showed it on earth—Emmanuel, “God with us.”
  • Story: As a young pastor visiting parents who lost a child, Craig felt inadequate yet realized his silent presence communicated God’s love more than words.
  • Story: Small-group friends drove over to pray with him during a bout of anxiety—far more powerful than texted prayers.

4. Two practical commitments

a. Be present

“I will love people face to face, not just thumbs to thumbs.”

• Move beyond acceptable texts to actual calls, coffee tables, dinner tables, living-room couches.
• Physical presence allows tone, tears, touch, and shared prayer to minister in ways screens cannot.

b. Be engaged

• “Continue to show deep love for one another” (1 Peter 4:8).
• Phones down during meals, small groups, bedtime; refuse to be mastered by screens.
• FOMO should shift from fear of missing an online post to fear of missing the person right in front of us.
  • Illustration: Family of four in a restaurant, each absorbed in a device—“alone together.”
• Establish family or group boundaries: charging stations, face-down devices, screen-free zones.

Key Truths

• Observable, sacrificial love—not information or image—confirms our discipleship.
• Digital connection can never replace the spiritual power of embodied presence.
• Immediate online affirmation meets a short-term itch but postpones the deeper need for intimacy.
• Love is shown through actions of proximity, listening, prayer, generosity, and shared life.
• Followers of Jesus must master technology or it will master them.

Response

• Schedule at least one face-to-face or voice conversation this week instead of a text thread.
• Set concrete device boundaries during family, worship, and small-group times.
• Invite someone into your home for a meal and intentional conversation.
• Join or start a life group to read Scripture, pray, and serve together.
• Offer hands-on help or in-person prayer to a friend in need before posting encouragement online.

Closing

Pastor Craig urged the congregation to refuse a life “longing for likes while longing for love.” Genuine Christian community—marked by noticeable, sacrificial care—will cause a skeptical world to say, “Those must be Jesus people.” He challenged listeners to ask God for wisdom, set new patterns at home, and step into Spirit-filled relationships that make Christ visible.

Prayer

The church prayed for forgiveness for misplaced priorities, for strength to love people over screens, and for anyone ready to surrender to Jesus—confessing sin, receiving new life, and committing to follow Him empowered by the Holy Spirit.