The essence of communication is recognized by our God, the creator of all things with life. This He demonstrates by making His Word, The Bible available to us today. It is written in The Bible that Jehovah practised communication when he said "let there be light" at the beginning of creation. Communication is the driving force behind human growth, development, and building a firm relationship with God, and our fellow man. However, the Bible illustrates that communication is more than just the ability to speak; it also includes the ability to listen.
The ability to accurately receive and analyze messages in the communication process is referred to as listening. Effective communication necessitates the ability to listen. Messages are readily misunderstood if not listened to well. That is why, in a few of His sermons, Jesus Christ encourages his disciples to listen more than they speak; this also applies to Christians in the present age (mankind in general). Jesus not only teaches us to listen, but he also practised it. During the death of Lazarus, Jesus listened to Martha and Mary's grief, which is why He was able to feel their pain, weep with them, and step into their situation. His Father, Jehovah God also listens to us through our earnest petitions/prayers.
James 3vs5 says "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. For these reasons, the inspired Word of God, The Bible, encourages everyone, especially Christians, to think before speaking, to show respect while speaking, and most importantly, to speak with grace as if seasoned with salt. Not only will this attract others, but it will also attract God, and His Son, Jesus to us.
Now, what does it mean to speak with grace as if seasoned with salt? The Bible provides a practical answer to this question; speaking with grace, as if seasoned with salt (remember that salt preserves, cleans, enhances flavour, and purifies) denotes firstly, practice encouragement, showing honour, listening carefully, speaking truthfully, and recognizing responsibilities.
God's infallible Word, The Bible was written to bring us closer to the Creator and his Son, Jesus, as well as to comfort, give hope and encourage us. For this reason, mankind is expected to emulate such qualities. We are instructed to encourage our fellow Christians through the words we use because words are like arrows that can't be called back once they've been released. When we communicate with encouraging words, we indicate that we care, and we want to assist them to make good decisions.
Showing honour in communicating with people shows respect, and also draws respect to you. Most importantly, it encourages people in paying attention to what is being said. In the Scriptures, Jesus Christ recognizes the presence of little children, and even when his disciples dismissed them, He urged them to welcome them in kindness. This demonstrates Jesus' respect and love for children
We live in an era where everyone wants to be heard, wants to discuss anything and everything. People's thoughts have been muddled by the "I first" mentality, but the Bible teaches us to listen more than we speak to get proper information. We can learn from Noah's example in the Bible; he followed all of the directions for building the Ark precisely, and as a result, he and his family were saved from the 40 days and nights of the flood. We can also save ourselves and others from the storms and trivialities of this world if we follow such an example of listening well while communicating with our fellow Christians, and neighbours.
Speaking truthfully is another key aspect of communication. Satan, the Devil, is described as a liar and a deceiver, and all who indulge in his vile acts are associated with him. Therefore, we are all encouraged to speak truthfully to one another putting away any malicious behaviour. Doing so will allow us to be recognized as God's sons and daughters. In the Bible, Ananias and Sapphira sold their farm to aid early Christians, but they kept a portion of the money hidden. They lied to Peter, but Peter made it clear that they didn't speak falsely to just him but God himself. What were the ramifications of their decision? Jehovah struck both Ananias and Sapphira to death for lying to the Holy Spirit. It is critical, therefore, that we are truthful to both God and man.
Recognizing responsibility is an ideal aspect of effective communication. Taking responsibility for our actions not playing play the blame game demonstrates maturity and earns respect from others. The narrative of the good Samaritan is told in Luke 10:30-37, and it tells us that we are accountable for how we treat others.
Ultimately, the words we speak are a reflection of our feelings; for the mouth speaks from the wealth of the heart (Matthew 12:34). As a result, fill your heart with God's word. We must also control our tongue for the Bible says in James 3:8(NIV) "But I say to you, every idle word men may speak will be held accountable on the day of judgment, Jesus remarked. For it is by your words that you will be justified, and it is through your words that you will be condemned."
Written by Adunkpe Mercy
Edited by Olujobi Bethel.
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