Communication

Proverbs 18:21 teaches us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Psalm 19:14, the psalmist prayed that the words of his mouth, and the meditations of his heart would be acceptable (pleasing) to God Who was his strength redeemer. Words - they give an external picture of our internal state, showing our heart to others. Luke 6:45 reminds us that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth therefore, it is the better part of wisdom for us to re-assess the righteous communication that pleases God. One biblical factor that enters into our consideration is the Ephesians 4 principle of edifying communication (which builds up)in contradistinction to evil or corrupt communication (which tears down). Since Matthew 22:37-39 gives the 2 commandments of loving God and others, there is a two-directional emphasis concerning our words, That is, they ought to both please God and profit others. The yardstick for our communication excellence should be the very heart of God. He has assured us, and demonstrated for us, that righteous responses can actually diffuse the anger of others. Reactive words only inflame an already unrighteous direction in a verbal exchange. Our words to others should illustrate an extension of the grace He has freely shown to us. Gentleness, peaceableness, and tender-heartedness ought to be the demonstration of the blood-bought believer in every situation. Remember the goal is never to glory ourselves,, but always to exalt Christ and edify others.

(c) 1993 N. A. Collins. Limited copy permission for one personal copy