Lack of clear communication was a frustrating problem after a tornado damaged my apartment building in March. The management’s preferred method of communication was sending emails–not very effective without electricity or internet connection. I constantly had to track down someone to find out what was going on and even then the information was often wrong, incomplete, or contradictory. In the first 24 hour period I was told I had to leave my apartment, I didn’t have to leave, I really had to leave and to have all my things out of my apartment in 48 hours, I only had to go somewhere temporarily and could leave my things.

O.K. Nobody here ever had to handle so much damage before, but my agonies were multiplied by the lack of proper communication.

It is true in all life that good communication is essential. I’ve seen families come apart because communication was defective. I’ve seen the same thing happen to churches. Members want things, but they won’t say what they want. Leaders know things, but they don’t effectively communicate their knowledge. People get hurt, but turn to anger rather conversation to remedy the situations.

During the exodus the people of Israel told Moses: “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, or we will die” (Exodus 20:19). That might have been a mistake not wanting to hear from God, but at least they talked to Moses.  

Talk to one another. Communicate. Engage in holy conversation. It’s amazing what a few well-chosen words can accomplish.

Read Colossians 4:6 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne