Better Communication
August 27, 2023

BETTER COMMUNICATION

Better: Conclusion
August 27, 2023
Pastor Brian
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to SPEAK about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:2–6 (NLT)
 
“Love is not rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:5a, NCV)
 
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor [your leaders].” (1 Peter 2:17, NIV)

 
 
WHY TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT?

 1. Because God everybody.
 
“You and I are the same in God’s sight, both of us were formed from clay.” (Job 33:6, GNB)
 
2. Because Jesus for everyone.
 
“He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves.” (2 Corinthians 5:15a, NLT)
 
3.Because my demonstrates my Christianity.
 
“But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.” (1 John 4:8, The Living Bible)
 
4. Because what goes around .
 
“Do not be deceived…People reap what they sow.” (Galatians 6:7, TNIV)
 
“When you’re kind to others, you help yourself; when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” (Proverbs 11:17, The Message)

 
 
HOW TO SHOW RESPECT

 
1. When you speak be not just truthful.
 
“Be tactful with those who are not Christians…Talk to them agreeably and with a flavour of wit, and try to fit your answers to the needs of each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6, JB)
 
“When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.” (Daniel 2:14, NIV)
 
“What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!” (Proverbs 15:23, GNB)
 
“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.” (Proverbs 15:4, The Message)
 
“Have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honour him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15–16, GNB)

 
2. When you interact be not demanding.
 
“Treat others just as you want to be treated.” (Luke 6:31, CEV)
 
“A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.” (Proverbs 16:21, GNB)

 
3. When you disagree be not judgmental.
 
“So each of us will have to answer to God. For that reason we should stop judging each other.” (Romans 14:12–13a, NCV)
 
“Put yourselves to the test and judge yourselves, to find out whether you are living in faith…” (2 Corinthians 13:5, GNB)
 
“The Lord’s servant must gently teach those who disagree. Then maybe God will let them change their minds so they can accept the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25, NCV)
 
“Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy.” (James 3:16–17, GNB)

 
4. When you are attacked be not retaliatory.
 
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:17–21, NLT)
 
 
ACTION STEP
Check out this semester’s Care Groups.
Invite a friend to the new series!