“What we need is more communication!” How many times have you heard that, in marriage, at work, at church and in community? In this digital age we don’t need more communication but better communication. Some signs that could have been worded better:
On the door of a restroom: “Toilet out of order. Please use floor below.”
At the entrance of a public building: “For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care center on the first floor.”
In the kitchen area at a workplace: “After tea break staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board.”
On the front door of a shop: “We can repair anything.” And then this additional note was scribbled, “Please knock hard on the door–the bell doesn’t work.”
Humor aside, we’ve all known hurt feelings because time and care weren’t taken to communicate kindly and well. “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). That’s the Golden Rule, not simply sage advice from the past but our Lord’s command to us. Ask questions in conversation. Review what you’ve written to see if you’re being clear and making sense. Learn how other people prefer to communicate. Women tend to communicate differently than men and younger people use different ways to communicate than older people. Because you’ve said it doesn’t mean it’s truly been heard! Jesus begins the Golden Rule with the little word “so.” He had just taught persistence in prayer; now He says “so” you be persistent in treating others with love, “for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Love God; Love your neighbor, “for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Compare Matthew 22:34-40).
And here’s my favorite: A resell-it shop advertised this: “We exchange anything – bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your husband along and get a wonderful bargain?”
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