3. Matthew 12:37 “ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your word you will be condemned.”
4. A. DEFINITION Communication: Give or exchange ideas, feelings, information or such things in writing, speaking or by way of signs, symbols, etc.
5. Moving towards better communication The Bible has within it the answer that we need to recover our lost values and have excellent communication. It is readily available to us.
6. There is an urgent need for good communication within the heart of the family. Without it, it is impossible to build a good home.
7.
8. ATTITUDES Numbers 13:31-33 Because of their unbelieving attitudes, ten of the twelve spies gave bad reports & a whole generations lost & died in the wilderness. Numbers 13:30 Caleb & Joshua had a different spirit & therefore a different attitude for which God rewarded them. They were permitted to enter the promised land.
9.
10. Your words should be motivating and joyous (Colossians 4:6) Avoid offending with your words. In a conversation, these may be only 6% of your words but they can and will become unforgettable (James 3:2)
11.
12. CLEAR (obvious, plain) We are competing with television, movies, etc. We must present the message with all clarity that is possible. That is why Jesus spoke in parables, to make His message clear.
13. CONCISE (brief, short, to the point) It is not the quantity, but the effectiveness of words that can transform lives.
14. Peter – Acts 10:33 Peter only began speaking for a minute and a half when the Holy Spirit interrupted him and fell upon those who were listening. Many good messages are ruined because they’re not finished on time.
15. PRECISE Avoid getting off the subject, but take advantage of every moment God gives you to share with others.
16. ANOINTED The anointing is a result of our intimacy with God. It is our duty to bring down the presence of God wherever we go because the eyes of God are upon the righteous of the earth and His ears are attentive to their cries.
17. MOVING TOWARDS GOOD COMMUNICATION -SPEAK AT THE RIGHT TIME Proverbs 15:23; Ecclesiastes 3:1 -SPEAK, DON’T SHOUT Proverbs 15:1-2; Proverbs 16:32 -THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK AND DON’T SPEAK BEFORE YOU THINK. Proverbs 15:28
18. -UNLEASH LIFE THROUGH YOUR WORDS Proverbs 15:4 - SPEAK WITH KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, KINDNESS AND RESPECT. Proverbs 15:7 -SPEAK WITH UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM Proverbs 16:21, 23 -LET YOUR WORDS BE SWEET AND HEALING Proverbs 16:24
19. We need to understand that everything we share must be to edify, motivate and support. Good communication is a weapon we can use to reduce conflicts and improve our family’s relationships.
20. HOMEWORK: Have a workshop in your own home by practicing a more effective method of communication to improve your family’s relationship. Write down the results.
21.
Editor's Notes
James 2:14-17 “Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions?... So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is not faith at all—it is dead and useless.” Matthew 21:28-31 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, `Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' The son answered, `No, I won't go,' but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, `You go,' and he said, `Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go. Which of the two was obeying his father?" They replied, "The first, of course.” 2 Corinthians 11:23, 27 “They say they serve Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again… I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food. Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.” 2 Timothy 2:4-6 “And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.”
The worst insults are generally made in moments of anger or desperation. Our words either dignify us or put us to shame. The relationship between Christ and the church became a great example of what a proper relationship should be. Jesus always expressed words of love and hope towards each one of His disciples. He spoke words of protection: “Fear not little flock, because it has pleased your father in heaven to give you the kingdom.
Proverbs 15:23 “How good a word spoken at the right time is.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Proverbs 15:1-2 “A gentle answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.” Proverbs 16:32 “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.” Proverbs 15:28 “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
Proverbs 15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:7 “The lips of the wise spread knowledge; but the hearts of fools do not.” Proverbs 16:21, 23 “The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of speech increases learning. The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds grace to his lips.” Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
