Category Archives: Communication

We’ve established that Jesus was not only full of grace and truth (Jn. 1:14) but also communicated about grace and truth. We must also note that Jesus backed up His words about grace by being gracious. And, He not only spoke about Truth but also truthfully. . . . Continue reading How We Communicate: Both Graciously and Truthfully→

As church leaders we must always remember that how we communicate has consequences, either for good or for bad.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Prov. 12:18)

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The Power of the Tongue . . . Continue reading Who Can Tame the Tongue?→

Gospel empowered communication obviously involves witnessing — communicating the Good News of God’s love and grace in sending Jesus to die in our place and come to life again so we can find new life in Him (1 Cor. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:17-21). While God has entrusted His people with a specific message of “what” to share, He also expects the Gospel to affect “how” we speak. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Because of the Gospel→

God’s grace saves us and it helps us walk the walk (Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 2:6; Titus 2:11-12). We then become dispensers of His grace which empowers us to serve and communicate effectively (1 Pet. 4:10-11). As such, we demonstrate empowered communication seasoned with grace that touches the lives of those we serve. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Seasoned with Grace→

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. . . . Continue reading Communication Under the Control of the Spirit→

The tongue, according to James 3, can do a lot of damage. It can set “the whole course of one’s life on fire” (James 3:6). . . . As church leaders we therefore need to guard the way we communicate so as to consistently build up rather than tear down. For that, we need help beyond ourselves. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Because of His Name→

Christ-like communication makes a difference. When we communicate with both grace and truth, we help people better understand God’s great love. He wants what’s best for us. He desires to build us up, not condemn us. So, we too must speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Without love, even the most eloquent or motivational communication is “only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol” (1 Cor. 13:1). Agape love, God’s love, must drive our communication. Here’s the hard part: Such love does not come naturally to us. Hence, we need empowered communication. That takes prayer wherein . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Takes Prayer→

When we put our trust in Jesus, we’re considered buried with Him and raised with Him. We’re made alive with Christ having been forgiven of our sins and given new life to be lived in His righteousness (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12-14). We no longer have to be enslaved to sin but empowered to live in that new life made possible because Jesus was raised from the dead conquering sin and death. That newness starts in our hearts and comes out in what we do but also how we speak. Even our communication can be empowered to reflect His righteousness because of the resurrection. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication Possible Because of the Resurrection→

Our style of communicating may stem from our personalities, background, or training. It can also be a result of spiritual gifting. Whatever the influence, to effectively communicate in the wide variety of situations leaders encounter, we need to get beyond a self-generated communication style to God-empowered communication. Since spiritual gifts are one of God’s means of imparting His power, it’s important to consider the effect of giftedness on the way we communicate. . . . Continue reading Empowered Communication as a Result of Spiritual Gifting→

Think about how James 3 describes the tongue. If we aren’t careful, our communication can come under the power of Satan rather than empowered by God.

… no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8)

It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6)
. . . Continue reading Communication Protected with Spiritual Armor→