Love thy neighbour Connecting with real people in an age of virtual reality

! Internet had been around for a while Connecting computers wasn’t new Sending information between computers in different locations was the innovation The “world wide web” became possible The internet has revolutionised the way we live Next step – “the internet of things”

Technology for the internet

The Good Samaritan “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,” and, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” “Do this and you will live.” And who is my neighbour? It’s exactly the wrong question!!!

Being Good Samaritans

Good Samaritans are connected! Virtual reality is not reality at all We can be “in touch” with people the world over, and touch nobody We can video conference, and meet no one A text message is not 2-way conversation An is not a 3D experience People are not virtual, they are reality!

Where are you connected? At home: spouse, family, flatmates, tenants, callers, cold-callers … (they aren’t virtual!) In the community: neighbours, friends, acquaintances At work: co-workers, colleagues, contacts In life: whoever you meet, where you see need The people God puts across your path!

Love thy neighbour (identify your neighbours here) Faith without works … James 2:14-26 Looking after widows & orphans … James 1:27 Go the extra mile … Matthew 5:41 Never tire of doing good … Galatians 6:9