This past Sunday, Pastor Bill Johnston’s message was about healthy communications. When we communicate with one another, we need to take the time to ask what we’re communicating, why we’re doing it, and how we should do it.
MORE OF WHAT MATTERS: MORE UNDERSTANDING IN OUR COMMUNICATIONS
Message by Bill Johnston – June 17, 2018
SOME LOGIC ABOUT COMMUNICATION
1. POOR COMMUNICATION IS A PROBLEM
2 Peter 3:15-16a This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand …
2. GOOD COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT
James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
3. UNDERSTANDING IS NECESSARY FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION
Matthew 15:10-11 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”
2 Timothy 2:7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
INGREDIENTS FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION
1. THE MOTIVATION – WHY YOU COMMUNICATE
Proverbs 16:21 The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.
Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
John 4:10, 13-14 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water… Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Jesus was INTENTIONAL; He cared enough to initiate the conversation
2. THE CONTENT – WHAT YOU COMMUNICATE
Jesus was STRATEGIC; He knew how to shape the conversation
3. THE METHOD – HOW YOU COMMUNICATE
With ACCEPTANCE and RESPECT
With INTEREST and CARE
With DIRECTNESS and GRACE
Zechariah 1:13 (NASB) The Lord answered the angel who was speaking with me with gracious words, comforting words.
John 1:14, 16-17 (NASB) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth… For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
Luke 4:22a Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips.
Jesus was SENSITIVE; He was aware enough to conclude the conversation
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Proverbs 22:11 Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.
Ecclesiastes 10:12a (NASB) Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious…
TAKEAWAY
THINK before you speak. Ask yourself:
T – Is it TRUE?
H – Is it HELPFUL?
I – Is it INSPIRING?
N – Is it NECESSARY?
K – Is it KIND?
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