Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #2 — Motivation For Love-Based Communication

Picture: Counsel #2 — Motivation for Love-Based Communication CR 49.1

Christian communication is motivated by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and by His example of selfless giving for the good of each of us. In response, the Christian’s relational communication is filtered through the gifts provided by the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22, 23).^[46] CR 49.2

“May your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:6 NKJV CR 49.3

“If we have a sense of the long-suffering of God toward us, we shall not be found judging or accusing others. When Christ was living on the earth, how surprised His associates would have been, if, after becoming acquainted with Him, they had heard Him speak one word of accusation, of fault-finding, or of impatience. Let us never forget that those who love Him are to represent Him in character.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 489 CR 49.4

Reflect: How can you better appreciate God’s patience with you, and let that appreciation impact your communication with others? CR 49.5