Why Communication Is Not Working



James 3:5–6 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (NIV)



Psalm 34:12–13 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. (NIV)



1 Peter 3:10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. (NLT)



4 Barriers That Lead To Bad Communication



1. Beginning with the wrong approach 



Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)



Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)



Proverbs 29:22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin. (NLT)



Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. (NIV)



Proverbs 25:15 Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. (NLT)



2. Being quick to talk



Proverbs 18:13 To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. (NIV)



Proverbs 17:27–28 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (NLT)



Proverbs 10:19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. (NLT)



3. Bringing the attack to the person instead of the problem



Proverbs 26:21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood. (NLT)



4.  Backing away from tough conversations 



Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

6 Ways To Build A Bridge Of Communication



B- Begin with me



Matthew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (NIV).



R- Relationship is my win



I- Initiate asking for forgiveness



Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)



D- Discover where people are



Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (NIV)



G- Grow in my communication



Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV).



 James 1:26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your
religion is worthless. (NLT)



E- Ensure my communication aligns with the Bible



1. Go to the person first



2. Don’t gossip and slander



Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down. (NIV)



3. Build people up with your communication



Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful
for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (NIV)



4. Be a person of peace



Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)