Body life, as seen in the “one another commands” of Scripture, involves a mutual, reciprocal exchange among members. So, when we look for communication guided by Body Life commands, it must be two-way. When leaders merely “tell” people what they are doing, they aren’t communicating in accordance with Body Life commands.
Even the Greek word for fellowship, koinonia, suggests that back and forth exchange, intercourse, a joint participation.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 Jn. 1:7)
What we have in common in the Lord makes such communion possible. It begins with personal fellowship with the Lord, walking in His light, and spills out into our relationships with one another. Communication with one another that emanates from walking in the light, will reflect characteristics of the One who is the Light.
What Communication Guided by Body Life Commands Looks Like
- Communication guided by Body Life is honest.
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Col. 3:9-10)
- Communication guided by Body Life is loving.
love one another (Rom. 13:8)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph. 4:32)
- Communication guided by Body Life is respectful.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Rom. 12:10)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Rom. 15:7)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Eph. 4:32)
When leaders approach communication as described above, they provide an example for the remainder of the Body (1 Pet. 5:2-3). A Church that communicates with one another this way shines as a light for the world around them, reflecting the One who is the Light of the world.
You’ll find the content on this page in the Steering the Church Toward Body Life Leadership Guide along with some brief thoughts on each of the points with implications for church leaders.
All Posts about Communication:
- Communication with God Essential to Your Purpose
- Communication in Step with Your Purpose
- Communication Imperative to Body Life
- Communication Guided by Body Life Commands
- Communication Governed by the Great Commission
- Authority in Communication
- Focus of Communication
- Confidence in Communication
- Christ-like Communication Imperative
- What We Communicate: Both Grace and Truth
- How We Communicate: Both Graciously and Truthfully
- Who Can Tame the Tongue?
- Empowered Communication Because of the Gospel
- Empowered Communication as a Result of Spiritual Gifting
- Empowered Communication Seasoned with Grace
- Empowered Communication Possible Because of the Resurrection
- Empowered Communication Because of His Name
- Empowered Communication Takes Prayer