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 we pull on God’s power to love as He loves (Jn. 15:12).
Prayer Taps into the Power Source for Christ-like Communication
Notice how the Apostle Paul prayed for those He served to know the expanse of the love of Christ.
When we put our faith in Christ, we’re “rooted and established in love” but our understanding of that love must keep growing. These verses point to our need to pray for that to happen. Our inner being must be strengthened with power through His Spirit to engage in Christ-like communication. We tap into that power through prayer, asking God to work “in” us so what comes out of us reflects Him. — “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matt. 12:34)
Empowered Communication Comes as We Pray
Communicating with people in ways that truly build them up requires much discernment and integrity of heart. It isn’t always clear what’s the best thing to say. It isn’t easy to keep the motivation behind what we say pure and holy. The Apostle Paul therefore prayed for love to lead to the understanding and wisdom we need.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9-11)
These verses let us know that love leads to discernment of what best and pure. Empowered communication is speaking “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:9-11). Prayer is an integral part of tapping into that power.
For More on These Topics, Go To:
- Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders
- Effective Christ-like Communication Skills Resources
- Resources about Prayer
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