Monday, February 29, 2016

Paul wrote the Colossian church the following in Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” The apostle Peter said the same thing in 1 Peter 3:15-16, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The book of Proverbs has many things to say about how to communicate effectively. With these and many other references in mind I set out to read the four Gospels looking at how our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, communicated with people. He was a master communicator, and I wanted to learn His skills. He at times was very direct. At other times it seems He was deliberately evasive. There were times He remained silent. He often responded to questions with a question. At other times He initiated a conversation with a question. He would often use Scripture in His response to a question and at other times he would ask what the scriptures said about a topic someone brought up. It was common for Him to use a parable or stories. Some stories were actual events that took place while others were made up to illustrate a point. Let me encourage you to read the four Gospels and take note how the master communicator shared. Learn from Him how to share what’s on your heart more effectively.