As Christians, our lives are to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. When our words and actions align, we present a consistent witness for all. Here are five biblical ways to ensure our communication conveys the Gospel message.
1. Practice Active Listening: James 1:19 implores us to be, “quick to listen, slow to speak.” Active listening involves:
- Fully engaging with the speaker.
- Showing compassion.
- Seeking to understand before being understood.
Active listening plays a crucial role in effective communication, allowing us to understand others before we respond fully. This not only mirrors Jesus’ attentive nature and creates room for genuine dialogue, but it also minimizes misunderstandings and demonstrates respect and value for the other person.
2. Speak the Truth in Love: There will be times when we must address issues and confront others. During these moments, Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to “speak the truth in love.” Our words should not be harsh or judgmental when offering correction or confronting issues. Instead, they should be guided by love, aimed at restoration and growth. This delicate balance calls for wisdom from the Holy Spirit. The objective is not to condemn but to express truths that edify and promote growth.
3. Use Encouraging Words: In James, the tongue is described as a small rudder that can steer a large ship, highlighting the profound impact our words can have (James 3:4). For Christians, encouraging words is not merely a nice gesture but a divine mandate. The Apostle Paul advises us to …
Encourage one another and build each other up” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Encouraging words can uplift the spirit, soothe the broken-hearted, and instill hope amid despair. Understanding words is a testament to the love, grace, and comfort we have received from God and are called to extend to others. Therefore, let our speech be seasoned with grace, encouragement, and a reflection of the love of Christ.
4. Be Quick to Apologize and Forgive: Inevitably, we will falter in our communication. Christians are called to reflect God’s character. When we err, we should be quick to apologize and even quicker to forgive, mirroring the boundless mercy and forgiveness God shows us daily. This might not be very easy, especially when our pride stands in the way. However, embracing humility is key to this practice. When we apologize, we acknowledge our mistakes, and in forgiving, we release the burden of resentment, allowing healing to take place. A swift apology and forgiveness both serve as a testament to the love and grace we’ve received from God. In such moments, we truly embody the teachings of Christ, spreading His light in our daily encounters.
5. Pray Before Speaking: Believers are reminded to, ”pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This call to prayer extends beyond our private devotions. It applies to our daily interactions and communication. Before we speak, praying can be instrumental in ensuring our words align with God’s character and will. It’s not about praying for eloquence or impressive speech but for wisdom, grace, kindness, and truth to permeate our words. In doing so, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide our tongues, helping us to speak in love, edify others, and bring glory to God. Through prayer, we surrender our speech to God, allowing our words to reflect Him in our interactions with others.
The essence of Christian communication extends beyond mere words. It encompasses active listening, truth-telling, encouragement, forgiveness, and prayer. We communicate the Gospel in daily interactions by aligning our words and actions with these principles. As a result, we glorify God and impact lives, sparking a ripple effect that advances God’s Kingdom on earth.
Enjoyable conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!” – Proverbs 15:23.
As we strive to communicate in these ways, may we always be conscious of our word’s influence on others and ensure that what we communicate genuinely reflects the love, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ.