Communication Problems Reveal a Deeper Issue
Are you a Christian with communication problems? Do you say you want to have power to live your life? And you want to have God’s grace to share with those around you? Then you must deal with your communication problems.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesian 4:29 ESV
Communication Problems Show a Deeper Need
Often a couple may believe they have a communication problem, but reality reveals the true issue is difficulty relating to Christ.
“It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.’”
Luke 11:1 NASB
Interestingly Jesus addresses their request by emphasizing their relationship with the heavenly Father. The disciples thought they needed to learn to communicate, but Jesus taught them how to relate to God.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Hebrews 2:12–15 NLT
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
This passage in Hebrews goes on to remind the reader of Esau, who allowed bitterness to permeate his life. Without genuine repentance, he merely tried to avoid the consequences of his actions. Those who “work at living in peace” communicate not only to avoid consequences but to live in right standing with Christ.
As a Christian, I Am United with Christ
Jesus entered the world to show forth the Father. During His thirty-three years on the planet, He obediently pursued His goal. Moving from the realm of this world, Jesus intercedes with His Father on behalf of His disciples and all of us who believe as a result of their testimony. His deep desire is that I may be identified as one who is uniquely united with Him.
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
John 17:20–23 ESV
Jesus illustrates the intricate relational connection between God and His followers. As the Son is identified by showing forth the Father, so I am to be identified as evidencing the Son. All the honor given to Jesus by the Father and revealed to His disciples now resides within me through His indwelling Holy Spirit, which fills us with His glorious essence.
Unity Shows Forth the Son
Unity fashions a spiritual prism, emitting all the light spectrum necessary for displaying Christ. The harmony of Christian fellowship demonstrates His presence and calls for praise. No longer am I obligated to be branded by my predisposition toward selfish ambition and vain conceit. Although I am an alien in this world, as His child I possess His holy resources.
They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
John 17:16–17 ESV
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NASB
Insight Journal
- My communication style reveals . . .
Excerpts from Marriages that Minister by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis. Available from your favorite book retailers, including Amazon and Redemption Press. (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)
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