The Loss of A Personal Touch

As the world races forward into a new age of artificial intelligence, automation, and instant gratification, we must pause and ask: what are we losing in the process? Technology has given us speed, access, and efficiency—but in many ways, it is robbing us of something far more precious: our personal touch, the human compassion that once defined how we related to one another.

We now live in a time where a conversation can be replaced by a command, a relationship by an algorithm, and a prayer by a prompt. The ease of asking machines to do our bidding can begin to shape our expectations of others—we start to treat people the way we treat our devices. Like a spoiled child who demands without patience or gratitude, we can forget that true connection takes time, humility, and heart.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” — 2 Timothy 3:1–2 (KJV)

This warning from Paul could not ring truer today. As the world becomes more self-centered and machine-driven, we risk creating a generation that demands attention, service, and perfection—but gives little of it back. The personal touch, that gentle word, that look of understanding, that shared burden of another’s pain—these are the things no machine can replace.

When we use tools like AI, we must remember they are just that—tools. They can serve, but they cannot love. They can imitate, but they cannot empathize. Compassion comes only from the Spirit of God working through a living soul.

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” — Matthew 24:12 (KJV)

The love of many grows cold not because they lose the ability to love, but because they lose the practice of loving. Each time we choose speed over sincerity, convenience over compassion, or digital over divine, a small part of our humanity dims.

We must not allow technology to separate us from the interactions that make us who we are within. The conversations, the mistakes, the laughter, and even the awkward silences—all these imperfect moments form the fabric of our shared humanity. If we do not take time to unplug, to slow down, and to allow things to take time and even to have flaws, we risk forgetting how to love. The warmth of the heart can grow cold when it is replaced by the glow of a screen.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Stillness is not weakness—it is the space where love breathes, where patience grows, and where understanding is born.

So how do we guard against this loss?

1. Slow down. Not every answer needs to come instantly. Wisdom often waits in silence. “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” — Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)

2. Be present. Look people in the eyes. Listen before responding. Remember that behind every face is a soul created in the image of God. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” — Romans 12:10 (KJV)

3. Use technology, but don’t let it use you. Let it serve your higher calling, not replace it. “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV)

4. Unplug and be imperfect. Let the phone die, let the email wait, and let life breathe again. It’s okay to stumble, to err, to take the long way. That’s how character and compassion are born. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

5. Pray for discernment. As knowledge increases, so must our discernment to know what is good, pure, and eternal. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” — Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)

In this new world of artificial intelligence, let us not lose divine intelligence—the heart that feels, the mind that reasons in love, and the soul that seeks truth. For while machines may mimic our thoughts, only the breath of God can make us living souls.

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” — Genesis 2:7 (KJV)

Let us not forget the One who gave that breath—and make sure we never trade it for the empty echo of a voice without a heart. May we remain human in a world that forgets what humanity means.