Communication Isn’t Easy!

In the book, The Relationship Principles of Jesus, by Tom Holladay, he refers to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary which defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.”

Tom continues on:

With apologies to Mr. Webster, havent’ you found the real-life definition to read more like this: ” a process by which information is confused by individuals through a conflicting system of emotions, behaviors, backgrounds, and desires”?

I do not know about you, but in my experience, I agree with the later definition. My husband, Billy, always calls me out on my communication methods or lack thereof.  He often says, Annette, you might have said that in your head but what I heard was…. And often he is right. I had this entire conversation in my head but by the time the words hit my tongue it comes out completely different, and the real problem is that I treat my husband as if he heard the conversation in my head! So we immediately fall into this quick sand of communication failure!

I pray that as we read about how Jesus communicated, that we learn when we follow His example that our words have the power to take our relationships to a new level of impact and intimacy.

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”          Proverbs 12:18