COMMUNICATING GOD'S LOVE

(Through the lens of I Corinthians 13)

If I could speak with the tongues

   of impeccable elocution and oratorical perfection

   but fail to communicate

I'm a tool of confusion and a threat to dialogue.

Though I master the English language

   reflecting the eloquence of Cicero

   or capturing a breath of Shakespearean splendor

And though I have faith

   the mountains of verbal and non-verbal prejudice be removed 

   but don't lovingly communicate, I'll get nowhere!

If I share my knowledge with the ignorant

   and spend a lifetime delivering flowery speeches

   but don't communicate,

I haven't gained a thing.

Actually, communicating with people begins:

   with patience – learning the art of good listening

   with kindness – not rudely interrupting.

Never forcing your own ideas 

        or repelling the opinion of others.

Effective communication shows up:

   in accepting people for who they are

   in listening to what is said

        without making them feel stupid for bringing it up

And empathetically trying to understand their feelings.

Communication shows real concern:

   when someone else is talking

   is glad when a constructive idea is presented

And works toward a correct syllogism

     through a mutual exchange of ideas.

Communication involves:

   pooling all suggested ideas

   recognizing individual effort in the process

   being sensitive to the Spirit's timing in concluding the matter.

Real communication never ends:

   as for poor attitudes 

       they will hinder and break down communication

   as for catchy phrases or vague generalities 

       they will not hold up

   as for meaningless cliches – they will fade away.

My words, thoughts and actions since childhood

   are but faint memories now that I'm maturing

   even though I tend to see issues 

        through the mirrored reflections of selfishness

But with God's help change is possible!

Now I only piece the communication puzzle as I see it

   but in time I'll understand it better

   just as God perfectly understands

   and lovingly communicates to me.

So then:

   correct words may influence the mind

   and patiently sharing, can motivate the listener

   but only loving communication can change a life.

--B. Pent