A Word Fitly Spoken
We live in an age of mass communication. Not only in terms of what is broadcast to us, but in the volume of interpersonal instant communications. Gone are the days of short expensive long-distance phone calls or snail mail. Now there's instant email, unlimited long-distance phone, Skyping, texting, tweeting just to name a very few methods. This is how we receive and generate information with others.
With all the new communications technology and oceans of flowing information, are we reaching each other better with understanding and good will? Are we getting along better as a result of this increased communication bandwidth?
I wonder.
The world is NOT a better place because of communications walls being torn down. Nations, families and friendships do not appear to be more durable as a result of more communication.
Timeless biblical principles give us tips to add the good will factor to our communications which can make all the difference in the relationship formed as a result of a communications exchange. Very simple additions to our interchanges can make a world of difference in the relationships all the while communicating essential information.
It's not WHAT we say that's important, it's HOW we say it. We may know what needs to be said, but do we give enough thought to how these things are said?
What comes to mind is this passage: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11).
And similarly in Proverbs 16:24, "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."
These beautiful illustrations point out timeless communications principles going back to the days before fiber optics and satellites.
What are some tips on how you can beautiful and sweeten you communications? They are very simple, but they do work. Your communication can actually compel the receiver to act on what you write because you think of the person and the personal effect your email or phone call has on him or her.
Use any of the following in your messages.
1. Express love or fondness
Really? Yes. When you communicate a positive thought or feeling, it does make the receiver feel valued. What they are, what they do is meaningful and they will then listen to rest of what you have to say. It works.
2. Express Thankfulness
Next to love the most appreciated communication is gratitude. There are many things that you can express appreciation for and for how the person affects others and you. I love hearing it. Most people do.
3. Say or write their name
There is no word sweeter in the ears of another than hearing one's own name. It give a sense of respect that goes a long way in the other person responding favorable or cooperatively.
Great good can be done when our words are accompanied by a caring and pleasant attitude. We should always be thinking about how to speak the truth in love, and let our speech be always with grace, "seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one," (Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 4:6).
