Communication really is the basis of relationships, all relationships, your friends, neighbors, co-workers and of course your family. It is essential. So I’m going to continue to share some wisdom regarding communication. It’s not my wisdom. It’s straight from my favorite book of the Bible, Ephesians. Today I’m looking at the Amplified addition. Read these words and see if you aren’t challenged!
I therefore the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the divine calling to which you have been called (with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service, living as becomes you) with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of (and produced by) the Spirit in the binding power of peace...Strip yourselves of your former nature (put off and discard you old unrenewed self) which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude), And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, (Godlike) in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another…Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word not unwholesome or worthless talk (ever)come out of your mouth, but only such (speech) as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.... Ephesians 4:1-3, 25, 29
Challenged! Paul begs us to walk “worthy” of our calling as children of God. That is walking in harmony. My husband has been studying this lately and we’ve learned so much. Harmony, not unity which allows us to be ourselves. Singing the part that we sing, not what our neighbor’s part, but singing the same song. Our song as children of God should glorify God all day, every day. God will renew our minds and spirit and then we can communicate with honesty and respect. Speech that is “good and beneficial” to the recipient. Again for myself anyway, the first step in doing this is to slow down and think before I speak. Is what I’m about to say going to help this person and/or the situation? Is it necessary? Is this the right time? If so, do. If not, wait.
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