The Communication Bond

From infancy onward communication becomes the link for bonding with one’s parents, siblings, and significant others. The touch of a mother's hand, her soothing voice, and the way she responds when her baby cries communicate that love and acceptance are a priority. Communication is a major bonding force at every stage of life.

The toddler stage has been dubbed the "terrible two’s" because of defiance associated with the child’s first critical step toward independence. This struggle towards independence is aided by the ability to communicate with words like "no" and "mine". The toddler operates under the assumptions that "All I have is mine,” and “All you have is mine."

This mindset may continue into adulthood, which blocks the creative means for bonding. God communicated that, instead, we are to love others as we love ourselves, which is made possible by loving God with our total being.  Loving God this way creates a spirit of generosity that enhances bonding and communications.  

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Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

~Matthew 22:37-40 The Message

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Choosing to Do What's Good and Right

The struggle between Jacob and Esau began early. Rebekah, their mother, complained to God about their rambunctious activity in her womb. After their birth Esau had the upper hand because he was the firstborn and physically stronger. Today he would enjoy being an all-around athlete. Jacob would be considered the studious, nerdy type.

Later Jacob would scheme to steal Esau’s birthright as firstborn. Jacob longed and waited for the right moment to move into action. He did not consider what was morally right or God’s plan and timing. He wanted what he wanted as soon as he could get it. Esau was impetuous and traded his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup.

Jacob believed by taking possession of Esau’s birthright, he would be set for life, a person of significance with power and prestige. He could never imagine the pain and suffering the future held in store for him. In truth, there is no substitute for being loved, and yet our blessings come from loving others as God loves us.