The online dictionary defines communication as: “the imparting or exchanging of information or news.”

Communication also requires that we allow others to have their opinions, even when they are different from our own. 

Again, we must keep in mind that when exchanging information and/or ideas, we need to do so in love.

It doesn’t mean we have to believe the ungodly views of others. Jude 1:4 “For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” We must be discerning in our relationships. Communication can sometimes help pierce the darkness of ungodliness. 

In the Bible, light often represents God, and His ways, while darkness represents evil, and its ways. God’s word can pierce the darkness.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” states Isaiah 9:2. That light is Jesus, and He wants to bring life to all who will call upon Him. 

God’s people are called to communicate this truth about Him to others. 

Good communication is loving, and presents the Gospel so that others can understand the love of God. We share it out of our experience of His lovingkindness in our relationship with Him.

I find that the breakdown in communication is on the rise. 

Social media has fooled people into thinking that the snippets posted to someone’s account are sufficient to build lasting and grounded relationships. That is a lie. 

Since Satan is the father of lies, we understand that this is more than a human battle, it is a spiritual battle. John 8:44 states it this way: “You [Anyone who does not have a true relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son, by the work of the Holy Spirit.] belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Solid communication between people, and within churches, must always be based on truth. 

Communication is hindered by a lack of commitment to a relationship.

Communication is hindered when people believe the worst of others, rather than believing the best.

Communication is hindered when we are out for our own selfish desires.

Communication is enhanced when people remember that we are all sinners.

Communication is enhanced when we extend mercy, as God has extended mercy to us.

Communication is enhanced when we look out for the welfare of others.

James teaches us further about our tongue, and its ability to wreak havoc in relationships:

We all stumble in many ways. James 3:2-12 states: We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” 

James’ gives word pictures to help us understand the impact of the tongue: “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.” [Don’t despair, God can help us tame our tongue through His indwelling Spirit who resides in every true follower of Christ.]

“It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” [Believers should not behave in such a manner, because we have God’s Spirit living in us, guiding us, convicting us, and helping us to live righteously.]

“Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” [God has a different standard for believers. We cannot expect an unbeliever to behave in the same manner as a true Christ follower, because unbelievers do not have the indwelling presence of God’s Spirit.]

Communication is key for healthy relationships and healthy churches. 

Will you be a key communicator so that your church and your relationships are healthy, in as much as it depends upon you – Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Please contact me if you want to talk about having a relationship with Jesus that is alive and vibrant:  ButGodCares@gmail.com.

Living for Jesus, Donna

P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!

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Copyright 2023 Donna Shappy   All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.