Christian Communication Prt. 2
Christian Communication Prt. 2
Building Stronger Relationships Through God's Word -conclusion
In a world where miscommunication often leads to conflict, how can we, as believers, ensure that our words reflect the love and grace of Christ? The art of godly communication is not just about what we say, but how we say it and the heart behind our words.
At the core of effective communication lies a simple yet profound principle: attack the problem, not the person. Too often, in the heat of the moment, we forget this crucial distinction. Consider a common household scenario - a forgotten bill payment leading to utilities being cut off. The natural reaction might be to blame: "Why didn't you pay the bill?" But what does this accomplish? Instead of solving the problem, it creates more conflict and drives a wedge between partners who should be working together.
The wiser approach is to focus on the issue at hand: "How can we get the power back on?" This shift in perspective transforms the conversation from accusatory to collaborative. Heather and I go about activating (revealing our ages a little bit here), what we playfully call our "wonder twin powers" - joining forces to overcome challenges together.
Scripture reinforces this approach. Ephesians 4:29-30 instructs us, "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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Our words should build up, not tear down. They should give grace, not grief.
But what does this look like in practice? It means avoiding words that attack a person's character or hinder growth. Instead, we're called to use edifying words that encourage and build up. This isn't just about being nice; it's about reflecting the very nature of God in our interactions.
Think about the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When our communication embodies these qualities, we're not just solving problems more effectively - we're actually manifesting the character of Christ in our relationships.
Another crucial aspect of godly communication is learning to act, not react. Ephesians 4:31-32 provides a powerful contrast: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
These reactions stem from our old, sinful nature. They're the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit and can quickly derail any attempt at constructive communication. Instead, we're called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.
But let's be honest - this is easier said than done. Our natural tendency is to be selfish and defensive about our own sins. When someone criticizes or attacks us, our instinct is to strike back. Yet, Christ set a different example. 1 Peter 2:23 reminds us, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
This brings us to a critical point: sinful arguments are only possible when both parties react. If one person chooses to respond with kindness and self-control, even in the face of anger or accusation, the argument loses its fuel. It's like the old saying, "Just because someone else gets in the mud doesn't mean you have to join them."
So how do we develop these godly communication habits? It starts with consciously applying godly actions and attitudes:
1. Be kind - benevolent, helpful, and courteous
2. Be tenderhearted - compassionate, sympathetic, and affectionate
3. Be forgiving - willing to pardon and work towards reconciliation
These qualities require self-sacrifice, reminding us of Christ's ultimate example of selfless love.
But what motivates us to communicate in this godly fashion, especially when it's difficult? The answer lies in the gospel itself. We forgive because we have been forgiven. We show kindness because God has shown us immeasurable kindness in Christ. Our communication should reflect the grace we've received.
This brings us to an important distinction between earthly relationships and our relationship with God. In our human relationships, we apologize for mistakes and seek forgiveness. But God's forgiveness of us through Christ isn't based on our apology or repentance - it's motivated by His unconditional love. Romans 5:8 puts it beautifully: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
As believers, we have a Father-child relationship with God. When we stumble, we can come to Him, acknowledge our mistakes, and experience His faithful forgiveness. This doesn't affect our eternal position as His children, but it does restore our fellowship with Him.
Think of it like a family relationship. A child's mistakes don't remove their Father's name from the their birth certificate, but they can affect the day-to-day relationship with their parents. Similarly, our sins don't negate our salvation, but they can hinder our closeness with God.
As we navigate the waters of communication in our relationships, let's remember the example set by Christ and the motivation provided by the gospel. Let our words be seasoned with grace, our reactions tempered by love, and our hearts always inclined towards forgiveness. In doing so, we not only improve our relationships but also reflect the transformative power of the gospel in our lives.
Full Sermon: https://tricitybaptistna.org/media
Free Counseling/Discipleship: https://tricitybaptistna.org/help
Building Stronger Relationships Through God's Word -conclusion
In a world where miscommunication often leads to conflict, how can we, as believers, ensure that our words reflect the love and grace of Christ? The art of godly communication is not just about what we say, but how we say it and the heart behind our words.
At the core of effective communication lies a simple yet profound principle: attack the problem, not the person. Too often, in the heat of the moment, we forget this crucial distinction. Consider a common household scenario - a forgotten bill payment leading to utilities being cut off. The natural reaction might be to blame: "Why didn't you pay the bill?" But what does this accomplish? Instead of solving the problem, it creates more conflict and drives a wedge between partners who should be working together.
The wiser approach is to focus on the issue at hand: "How can we get the power back on?" This shift in perspective transforms the conversation from accusatory to collaborative. Heather and I go about activating (revealing our ages a little bit here), what we playfully call our "wonder twin powers" - joining forces to overcome challenges together.
Scripture reinforces this approach. Ephesians 4:29-30 instructs us, "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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Our words should build up, not tear down. They should give grace, not grief.
But what does this look like in practice? It means avoiding words that attack a person's character or hinder growth. Instead, we're called to use edifying words that encourage and build up. This isn't just about being nice; it's about reflecting the very nature of God in our interactions.
Think about the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When our communication embodies these qualities, we're not just solving problems more effectively - we're actually manifesting the character of Christ in our relationships.
Another crucial aspect of godly communication is learning to act, not react. Ephesians 4:31-32 provides a powerful contrast: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
These reactions stem from our old, sinful nature. They're the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit and can quickly derail any attempt at constructive communication. Instead, we're called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.
But let's be honest - this is easier said than done. Our natural tendency is to be selfish and defensive about our own sins. When someone criticizes or attacks us, our instinct is to strike back. Yet, Christ set a different example. 1 Peter 2:23 reminds us, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
This brings us to a critical point: sinful arguments are only possible when both parties react. If one person chooses to respond with kindness and self-control, even in the face of anger or accusation, the argument loses its fuel. It's like the old saying, "Just because someone else gets in the mud doesn't mean you have to join them."
So how do we develop these godly communication habits? It starts with consciously applying godly actions and attitudes:
1. Be kind - benevolent, helpful, and courteous
2. Be tenderhearted - compassionate, sympathetic, and affectionate
3. Be forgiving - willing to pardon and work towards reconciliation
These qualities require self-sacrifice, reminding us of Christ's ultimate example of selfless love.
But what motivates us to communicate in this godly fashion, especially when it's difficult? The answer lies in the gospel itself. We forgive because we have been forgiven. We show kindness because God has shown us immeasurable kindness in Christ. Our communication should reflect the grace we've received.
This brings us to an important distinction between earthly relationships and our relationship with God. In our human relationships, we apologize for mistakes and seek forgiveness. But God's forgiveness of us through Christ isn't based on our apology or repentance - it's motivated by His unconditional love. Romans 5:8 puts it beautifully: "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
As believers, we have a Father-child relationship with God. When we stumble, we can come to Him, acknowledge our mistakes, and experience His faithful forgiveness. This doesn't affect our eternal position as His children, but it does restore our fellowship with Him.
Think of it like a family relationship. A child's mistakes don't remove their Father's name from the their birth certificate, but they can affect the day-to-day relationship with their parents. Similarly, our sins don't negate our salvation, but they can hinder our closeness with God.
As we navigate the waters of communication in our relationships, let's remember the example set by Christ and the motivation provided by the gospel. Let our words be seasoned with grace, our reactions tempered by love, and our hearts always inclined towards forgiveness. In doing so, we not only improve our relationships but also reflect the transformative power of the gospel in our lives.
Full Sermon: https://tricitybaptistna.org/media
Free Counseling/Discipleship: https://tricitybaptistna.org/help
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