Tag: Relationship

Devotionals

Human Relationships and AI    

Loring Schultz

“…….there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 ESV

“ …….You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 ESV

Smiling woman touching a humanoid robot beside a tablet

If you are reading this devotional you are using one of several devices available in the modern age to transmit information. Technology has advanced to the point where posts that are opened and read on ‘Word for the Soul’ are distinguished between mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. Also how they were accessed is provided through which search engines, phone operating systems, and which social media accounts were used such as Facebook, X, etc.. Also a completed breakdown as to where (country and city) each individual accessed the site. It is overwhelming of the access to information we have in this day and age.

To keep things in proper perspective; this is informational and not relational. Now having said that, I have frequent and infrequent communication with those who respond to ‘Word for the Soul.’ Some on a regular basis and some not so often. But the fact is that is possible through the technology we have available for us to use. Although I have never met any of them personally, a distance relationship has developed between human beings individually and as part of a group.

Which brings us to realize the difference between human relationships and AI. The amazing features of AI are more that just feeding out information. It has gotten to the point where it is able to simulate a personality and execute a relationship with one who is willing to explore that capability. The truth of the matter is that AI is ‘Artificial Intelligence’ meaning it is not real, therefore cannot be relational. Those we communicate with using the tools of advanced technology are human beings who breath and have a soul. AI has neither. May we use the tools given to us to communicate the advancement of the gospel. God would have use AI for He has given it to us for His purposes. But beware, Satan will also use it to distort. AI is not capable of relating to human beings.

Devotionals

God is Love

Loring Schultz

Read: John 17:20-26 NLT – “I am praying not only for these – Bible Gateway

“Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!” John 17:24 NLT

Four adults hugging and smiling in a warm, sunlit living room.

God is love. A phrase we have all heard. Sadly this simple statement of truth has become somewhat of a cliché over the years. It seems ‘God is love’ has lost its true meaning as it is frequently and nonchalantly used in today’s culture. It is true that God is love, but what does that mean to us and how do we apply it in our lives.

In Jesus’ intercessory prayer in John chapter 17 Jesus makes note that God the Father loved Him before the world began. First of all, God’s love is eternal. It had no beginning as God had no beginning. God’s love is relational for He loved His Son from eternity past. Jesus, God the Son, shows His love for us by stating He wants His followers (those who truly have accepted Christ) to be with Him for all eternity. Jesus’ love towards us is relational. True love, God’s love, is relational.

Scripture says we are made in the image of God. A part of that image and character is the ability not only communicate but to be relational with others. This comes from a relational God. All of us are capable of being relational with others, but the fullness of any relationship comes only when God is involved. God created us in His image to have a relationship with Him and not only with our friends and relatives.

When we come to know God through His Son Jesus Christ who died on our behalf we have a new and true relationship with Him. God had loved us and chosen us before the world began. Our relationships with others will also take on a new meaning as we show God’s love in action and not just in frequently spoken words.