Communication

Communication:  An exchange of information; a means of connecting people.  Some dictionaries include the imparting of information (unidirectional), but that is more accurately a lecture or directive.  For the purposes of this handout, communication will be assumed to be bi-directional.  The information exchanged may be just news, or may include emotions.  Understanding, although perhaps not agreement, by the recipient is implied.  Using this definition, “effective communication” is redundant.  “Ineffective communication” is an oxymoron.

  • With God
    • How do we send information to God?
      • Prayer
        • The role of the Spirit (Romans 8:26 – 27, 1 John 5:14, Jude 20)
          • The Spirit brings our prayers up to God’s standards
          • The Spirit modifies our prayer to conform to the will of God
          • If it is according to His will, He hears
          • Praying in the Holy Spirit
        • Appropriate occasions (James 5:13 – 18, 1:5 – 8, 1 Timothy 2:1 – 2, Philippians 4:6 – 7, Ephesians 6:18)
          • Relief from affliction
          • Recovery from illness
          • Forgiveness for me and for others
          • Adjustments to nature to get the attention of unbelievers
          • Ask for wisdom
          • For world leaders that we live in peace
          • Relief from anxiety
          • With thanksgiving
          • For all the saints
        • Cautions about prayer (James 4:1 – 2, 1 Corinthians 14:15, 1 John 3:22, 1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Peter 4:7)
          • Failing to ask
          • Asking with poor motives
          • Pray with understanding
          • Whatever we ask we receive because we keep His commandments (v23: the commandments are faith and love)
          • Without wrath or doubting
          • Be serious and watchful in your prayers
        • Attitudes of prayer (Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 3:12, 1 John 4:15, Philippians 4:7)
          • Boldly
          • Confidently
          • We know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him
          • The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds
      • God knows the heart
        • Luke 16:15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
        • Acts 15:8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,
        • 1 Corinthians 13:12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known.
        • Acts 1:24  And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, …
    • How does God send information to us?
      • Romans 8:13  …but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body…
      • Developing understanding (1 Corinthians 2:6 – 3:2, 2 Corinthians 3:12 – 18, Ephesians 1:15 – 21, 3:13 – 19)
      • Exhibiting faith and love (1 John 3:24, 4:12 – 13)
      • The Scriptures (Hebrews 4:12)
  • With Christians
    • Singing (Ephesians 5:19)
    • Cautioning about reckless behavior (1 Corinthians 5:12)
    • Teaching (2 Timothy 2:24)
    • Building up (1 Corinthians 14:26)
    • Comforting (2 Corinthians 1:4)
  • With Non-Christians
    • Colossians 4:5 – 6  Wise, witty, gracious.
    • 1 Peter 3:15  Evidence, gently
    • 1 Corinthians 5:12  Not condemning their behavior