Dead-end Communications Due to Arrogance

Troubles in communications arise from being reluctant to consider another person's point of view and by refusing to explore alternatives to crucial issues and problems. Conversely, healthy communications permit divergent points of view to be considered along with respecting other people’s experience and intelligence.

An impasse in communications may derive from arrogance or pride by positioning oneself above others. While in college I met a young man who could not read but was an interesting and talented individual. If I had discounted his ability to communicate on the basis of his education, then I would have been a poorer person for my arrogance. 

Remaining teachable regardless of educational accomplishments is an antidote to arrogance and dead-end communications. Proverbs offers this advice: "If you call out to the Lord God for insight and cry aloud for understanding," then you will be receptive to wisdom and will have courage to make necessary changes. Praise God for that. 

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Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.

~ Proverbs 13:10 The Message 

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Communication Builds a Bridge to Joy

Communication builds a bridge to happiness because it paves the way for resolving conflicts that every relationship experiences. Successful marriages are not conflict-free, but these couples have devised a system of communication that considers differences in personality, intelligence, and feelings without alienating one another. They have learned to honor their differences by acknowledging them as assets rather than liabilities. 

Providing unsolicited solutions for another person's problems, however, is usually a dead-end for communications. This approach provides an air of superiority that threatens the other’s self-esteem. At this level of communicating, the other person's ideas are not considered important.

Jesus was consistently aware of each individual’s needs. He often put aside his role as teacher, preacher, and healer to listen and address the concerns and needs of the people. Communication can build a bridge to enjoyment and fun as well as managing differences and conflicts. Effective communication transforms conflict into understanding and trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do good.”  

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Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

~Proverbs 18:20 The Message   

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