In the beginning, words were spoken and through these vibrations effective communication was achieved in which the void was enriched with substance. In our day-to-day endeavors we encounter situations which present us with the choice to either communicate effectively, or miss-communicate. Miss-communication can result in a plethora of negative reactions and outcomes that are not intended. Many times when a miss-communication is at hand it can make situations or people destructive. But when trying to communicate effectively, spoken words, tone of voice, and body language all factor into the equation.
[1]From the image above, it displays these factors and their quantifying numbers that directly affect communication. Our words are powerful, but they play a smaller factor into why miss-communication can occur in the first place. Please note: words on paper do not display these other qualities, so a miss-communication is more probable due to bad grammar, sentence structure, or an incomplete thought.
For brevity’s sake, there is no need to go into the psychology or reasons why communicating is so very important, because ALL should be aware that it is something to always work on in each person’s own ways that work for them. Keeping in mind how important effective communication is, whether it is in a personal or professional setting, it can also show the aspect of love. Yes, love and communication clasp hand-in-hand. In some previous Our Weekly Wisdom, we know love is many things…patient, kind, long-suffering, etc,… (1 Corinthians 13). Many times we need to have the attributes of love in order to effectively communicate and show God’s love.
Now what does the Bible say about effective communication? To shed some light on the subject, here are a few verses which display words of wisdom:
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.Proverbs 18:19
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.Ephesians 4:25;29
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another;
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
All of the above scriptures show an aspect of love and give a simplistic overview of how to apply yourself to effectively communicate. Some concepts above are a bit of a challenge for each person to try to understand. Everyone needs to consciously take this knowledge and apply it as wisdom, and with understanding, make the choice to use love when we discern what to say and how to act towards others.
Weekly Challenge:
Take the time to reflect and see what areas you can improve on in your communication to make it more effective. Meditate on the above scriptures and information presented, acknowledge them as knowledge, and with that knowledge gain understanding and use it as wisdom, then apply it as discernment in your daily life on each situation presented.
Image Source [1]:http://www.tccohio.com/blog/telephone-communication