"Gracious Communication"

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

Acts 15:12 KJV 1900

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Acts 15:22–23 KJV 1900

Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

What is our typical Instinct when dis agreements arise?

Why do you think in this instance the church chose to come together and address the issue?

Should we allow others to express their views when they disagree with our position? Why or Why not?

Are we willing to accept the direction of our leaders?

The Challenge of Communication

In response to God’s grace in our lives we reflect His love towards others.

Yet we live in a broken world and we are still human, this makes communication challenging.

We need God’s guidance in all of our communications.

Principles for Godly Communication

Our testimony is enhanced when we communicate with a gracious and appealing tone.

We should be intentional about engaging in communication that honors God.

Colossians 4:6 KJV 1900

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

The Other Side of Communication

Communication should prompt us to evaluate the way we listen to others.

We can reflect God’s grave when we offer others support and understanding by listening.

Communicating Through Conflict

With God’s help, we can learn to navigate through conflict.

Delayed resolution of conflicts gives the devil opportunity to destroy every good relationship in our lives.

Criticism: The difference between voicing complaints and criticism.

The difference is the pronouns used.

“I” voices a complaint.

“You” voices criticism.

Contempt: Is language that is intended for insult and to inflict emotional harm. If our communication reflects contempt, we should stop and repent.

Proverbs 18:3 ESV

When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

Keep it private. (Matthew 18:15) Married couples should avoid arguing in front of their children.

Control the volume and tone. Watch your body langauge.

Never attack one another verbally or physically.

Never allow conflict to remain unresolved.

Ephesians 4:31–32 KJV 1900

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

5. Do not bring up old disagreements into the present conflict.

Closing

In what areas of communication do you need to approve on?

Tell about a time someone imparted grace to you in conversation.

How can listening improve your ability to communicate?

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