Personally, I’m happy that the Daily Star’s religion column is back. Some may consider it obsolete, but I see it as an opportunity for thought and civic communication practices.Most people agree that these two items are missing in modern America. I will.
Religions, especially Christianity, are rooted in past events. Many believe that we have moved on to the point that the past is no longer relevant, accurate or practical. Before coming to that conclusion, ask, “How have humans really changed?” Our biology is still the same. We still have lungs, kidneys, blood, brains, and even genetics. The same goes for the desire to love, to be loved, to be recognized, to be understood, and to be respected. People are just people. Only our circumstances and gadgets have changed. A camel is a vehicle, and a papyrus is electronic.
Let’s get back to the realm of communication. Communication is the key for humans to live together, work together, and thrive together. Many problems arose from our poor communication. Ephesians 4 contains his four simple rules for godly communication, skills that help mankind thrive.
The first rule is to speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25). On the surface, I think, “This is what I do all the time.” But how often do you exaggerate with words like “always” and “never”? This is especially true in strained relationships. Use sentences like “you always” and “you never”. Neither is true. How about a knack for exaggeration, like the line, “There’s nothing to eat in the fridge!” In all honesty, we may not have anything to eat, but most American refrigerators have food in them. . Letting others guess what we are thinking, or asking them to intervene (without communicating) is not telling the truth.
Rule 2 is to stay up to date (Ephesians 4:26-7). Human-to-human wounds not only evaporate, but ferment and lead to bitterness. Bitterness is a pre-loaded negative emotion towards another person based on previous interactions. Perceived pain should be handled using the rules of communication outlined here. yeah. Forgiveness is not forgetting, but choosing not to remember, think, or talk about sin. We all make mistakes, so we must learn how to communicate true forgiveness.
Rule 3 is a rule rarely shown in the political arena. Attack the problem, not the person (Ephesians 4:29). Too often, we scorch, torch, belittle, or bully the person without having a truly thoughtful exchange about the issue at hand. This is neither useful nor helpful, but rather destructive. For example, if I scratch your car, you don’t have to call me by name or comment on my driving or stupidity. Rather, plan what you will do with Scratch. Please give me your insurance card.
The last rule is less straightforward and less important than the former, but it builds the foundation for doing the former. Act unresponsive (Ephesians 4:30-32). This is the work of character to conform to the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). The action is to “put on” the spirit of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, while “putting on” bitterness, anger, anger, strife, slander, and malice. This positive act of “undressing” and “putting on” is an important part of following Christ. Negative behavior cannot be stopped without replacing it with God-honoring positive behavior.
God’s word is not outdated, it is underutilized. Read Ephesians 4:17-32. Read on to know Christ, grow and change. yourself, not others.
Thanks to the Daily Star for giving me the opportunity to communicate.