When communication breaks down relationships break down. When relationships break down family and community break down. When family and community break down a nation can become polarized and incapable of honest respectful dialogue.

The solution to this dilemma will not occur at the national level, though we desperately need leadership from all parties that can unite rather than divide. The solution will come from the local community level when individual believers and churches model communication restoration. At the core of the Gospel is the idea of relational reconciliation between God and man through Jesus Christ. When human hearts are reconciled to God’s heart they are in a place to be able to restore healthy communication with one another.

Ephesians 4:15 states, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Communication breakdown is a symptom of a greater problem – a love breakdown. Which comes first, a love breakdown or a communication breakdown? It is hard to say since they are so intimately connected. This breakdown starts to occur when we lose our solid footing on the faith foundation of the Gospel itself. “Speaking the truth in love” to each other and “not letting the sun go down on our anger” are essential for healthy communication. When they stop happening some people can become unapproachable and others hold onto things. Both of these work together to bring about disunity within the Body. What is needed is communication restoration. First, we must get our footing back onto the Gospel and what it says about us and release any offense we have perceived from others. Secondly, we must move forward with a listening ear to restore healthy and honest communication with those we feel we are out of step with.

Ephesians 4:29 states, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear.” The old saying, “God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason” stands obviously true. We should spend a lot more time listening than speaking. This is especially hard for a preacher! The truth of this command is only possible when we are established upon the firm foundation of the Gospel. It makes us “aware” of how we are communicating. The tone, the feel and motive are all critical. Is our communication, even when it is hard, seasoned with grace? Are we mainly consumed with how we can best build up others or is there a subtle angle in our communication to somehow make us feel better?

The essence of spiritual maturity is healthy communication with God and others. May we experience a revival when it comes to our communication and may it overflow into our communities and the nation.