Edifying Communication

To communicate is a form of sharing. The spirit of our inter-relational existence, can be found in the ways in which we communicate; the world is both dependent on and affected by communication. The way we speak and the words we choose have a tremendous effect upon our spirit.

When we speak, we give life to our thoughts; whenever we speak our thoughts out loud, the vibrational level of our thoughts change. It’s better to say nothing at all, than to say something negative. Some commonly used negative words like: But, Try, If, Might, Would Have, Should Have, Could Have, Can't and Don't, negate our ability to successfully be our “Highest Selves,” and affect the Higher Selves of those we speak to.

The goal of effective communication, is to share our message while edifying/building others up, not tearing them apart. Unfortunately, most of us tend to think, and thereby communicate our own interests, in an effort to get others to see things our way, rather than what might be in the best interest of those with whom we are communicating.

If we wish to lift/raise others with the words we use when communicating, our words need to be pleasant and peaceful, even if we are not in agreement with our listener; it is important to remain respectful! Our words will serve us best if we do not come across as being too wise, too good and/or too great.

Anyone who has ever written newspaper copy knows the importance of communicating just the Who, What, When, Where and Why of their message.

To be an effective communicator and get our point across without misunderstanding and confusion, it is best if we do not communicate too much information, too fast, or if our words are not disorganized or too complex.

“I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.”
(Rudyard Kipling, from "The Elephant's Child" in Just So Stories )

Words which edify:

• instruct by providing new information whichs helps remove ignorance,
• counsel those in trouble/danger to overcome their difficulties,
• comfort by imparting consolation, and/or
• foster truthful discussion.

Regardless of whether we are engaged in instruction, counseling, providing comfort or truthful discussion, words that come from the heart are usually useful and edifying.

Edifying words are:

• pleasant
• courteous
• gracious
• respectful
• loving
• truthful
• kind
• encouraging
• informative
• harmonious
• profitable for all involved parties

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Non-Edifying words are:

• foul/abusive
• abrasive
• harmful to the other person/people
• offensive
• degrading
• disrespectful
• demoralizing
• character assassinators
• accusatory/blaming
• fault-finding
• angry
• prideful
• arrogant
• false

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:8

It is best if all parts of ourselves work in balance and harmony. When the speech of our mind is in disagreement with the speech of our heart, the words that come out of our mouth are false; they run contrary to edification; they do not shine the light of truth on anyone’s mind.

Words that are not pleasant to others, are destructive to the spirit of both the “listener” and the “speaker.” Effective communication can improve our inter-relations by increasing intimacy, trust and support; likewise, non-effective communication can weaken bonds, create mistrust and breed contempt.

We cannot edify anyone when we are full of anger, contentious and/or quarrelsome!

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen