When filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and walking in Him (Gal. 5:16), we’re under the control of the Spirit. It affects not only the way we act but also the way we speak to one another. Our tongue “is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8) so we struggle to tame it. For leaders to consistently communicate in ways that build up rather than tear down, we need a Helper.
Communication of Leaders When Not Walking in the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5 contrasts those who walk in the Spirit versus those who indulge their flesh. Basically, when under the control of our old human nature, we live for self — what makes “me” feel good, look good, and acquire good. When that kind of self-absorption motivates us, we tend to speak for our advantage rather than the benefit of others.
When we grieve the Holy Spirit by living for self, “bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” fill us instead and “unwholesome talk” comes out of our mouths (Eph. 4:29-32). That leads to impulsive, reactionary, temper-driven words, even dishonest and boastful language. It becomes easier to lie, hurt, and insult others with our words. Obviously our communication then becomes destructive rather than that which builds others up.
Communication of Leaders Under the Control of the Spirit
As leaders, we should be examples of wholesome and uplifting communication. So, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16) Instead, we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit so we communicate in Christ-like ways,
The Spirit will help us “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:), love being a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
“… be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” (Eph. 5:18-19) That’s joyous communication.
Through the Holy Spirit we can have peace within and “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19) in times of disagreement and conflict.
Because of the Spirit, we’ll exercise patience, being “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
Walking in the Spirit “when we are slandered, we answer kindly” (1 Cor. 4:13).
Hearts filled with goodness born in us by the Spirit will communicate accordingly “for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Lk. 6:45).
The Spirit will make us into faithful leaders who can be counted on to build up rather than tear down.
When confronted, we won’t quarrel when we walk in the Spirit but rather respond with gentleness (1 Tim. 3:3).
The Holy Spirit will give us the self-control needed to bridle our tongue and consistently communicate in ways that build up rather than destroy.
We can’t overemphasize the need for our communication to come under the control of the Holy Spirit. “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5) A leader’s words can cause a lot of damage, even division, in a church or ministry. — “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:13-16) — When we walk in the Spirit, the opposite happens. Our words bring health, healing, and growth as He develops within us the Christ-like traits in Galatians 5:22-23.
For More on These Topics, Go To:
- Christ-like Communication Leader Guide
- Effective Christ-like Communication Skills Resources
- Resources about the Holy Spirit
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
- Empowered Communication Guarded by Scripture
- Communication Under the Control of the Spirit
- Communication Protected with Spiritual Armor
- Be an Example in How to Communicate with One Another