Communication is a gift from God. He spoke the universe into existence (Gen. 1:1-31); He speaks to us through His Son (Heb. 1:2), and the Scriptures are often referred to as Word of God (eg. 1 Thess. 2:13). God communicates.
Communication occurs when there is an imparting or sharing of information. Communication can come in many forms like speaking, writing a letter, sending an email, tweeting, or posting on Facebook. The Lord is the greatest and only perfect example of clear and effective communication as seen in His Word. As His people, it is our duty to communicate in such a way that we glorify Him. We need to understand that by using poor communication we can not only tear people down, but we can also provide a terrible testimony. As the people of God, we ought to take communication very seriously.
In this post, I want to consider some principles on how we can have Christ exalting communication.
SPEAK THE TRUTH
Christ exalting communication must be truthful (Eph. 4:15). In contrast to lying, deceiving, manipulating and exaggerating it is the duty of God’s people to communicate truthfully (Eph. 4:25). We ought to speak the truth because God speaks the truth (John 17:17). We need to remember that “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 12:22). Christ exalting communication will be truthful communication. Let us examine our speech that it does not depart from reality. Whether our communication be in speech or writing, it must be true.
SPEAK WITH LOVE
Secondly, Christ exalting communication must be loving (Eph. 4:15). To communicate with love means to convey information in such a way that it reveals your desire for their welfare. One commentator states, “love seeks the highest good in the one loved” (Harold Hoehner, Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary, Baker Academic, 2007, p. 565). This is not referring to a sentimental or superficial kind of “love.” Instead, this is a loyal and deliberate love without hypocrisy (Rom. 12:9). Don’t speak down to people or employ harsh tones. Communicate in such a way that you are seeking to ultimate good.
SPEAK WITH HOLINESS
The apostle Paul said to the Ephesians, “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” (Eph. 4:29). Communication that is Christ exalting will not neglect the principles found in Scripture regarding pure and sound speech. Corrupt, coarse, and crass speech comes in all sorts of forms. It can simply be a thoughtless or stupid approach in which someone doesn’t carefully consider what they are saying. Or it can come in the form of one using words or humour that dishonours God. Christ exalting communication does not make use of a form of speech that is marked by the things we were redeemed from (Eph. 4:31; 5:4; Col. 3:8), but rather makes use of words that come from an individual who is a new creation with a message of hope.
Remember that communication is a gift from God. As the people of God it ought to be our desire and practice to convey Christ exalting communication. I will conclude with some observations of speech from an earlier post,
The book of Proverbs has much so say about our speech. Though we could look at many, consider three sample principles to remember: Speaking too much can lead to trouble (Proverbs 10:19); gentle speech can diffuse anger whereas harsh speech can provoke anger (Proverbs 15:1) and think before you speak (Proverbs 18:13). These principles provide practical wisdom in the use of our words.
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