Truth Brings Forth Trust

One of the most important features of effective communication is our trust in the integrity and honesty of the speaker. That person must be trustworthy because when trust is absent, communication becomes unreliable. An essential principle for effective communication is that our words must represent the highest human values.

An adolescent confided that the most important objective of her life was regaining her mother's trust. A year earlier she had become deceptive in her behaviors and communications. In order to regain her mother’s trust she willingly complied within the boundaries that were compatible with truth and honesty.

Effective communication reflects sound values and virtues. These virtues serve as a guide in times of strife or peace. God's word reminds us to speak the truth in every situation. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." By keeping our trust and faith in Christ Jesus active, we will be able to live with others in that truth.  

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[Jesus prayed,] Your word is the truth. So let this truth make [my followers] completely yours…I have given myself completely for their sake, so that they may belong completely to the truth.

~John 17:17,19 Contemporary English Version

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From Fear to Faith

A grumpy, griping mood is a way to hold family, friends and foe at a distance. The reason for a bad mood may not be known to anyone, including the one displaying negative behaviors. The tendency to conceal negative thoughts may maintain privacy, but your true feelings can be communicated by your face, tone of voice and other kinds of body language.

Concealment is a consistently used method of controlling your situation, yet it’s difficult to completely hide what’s going on, regardless of what you may or may not verbalize. Alfred Lord Tennyson was aware of this when he wrote, “For words, like nature, have revealed, and half-concealed the soul within.”

Why not speak the truth with openness and honesty? Are you fearful of the consequences, or perhaps unprepared to risk the truth? God’s Word encourages us to speak the truth although we feel fearful. Honesty ultimately builds a bridge to stronger relationships, maybe not immediately, but as God’s purpose and will are accepted.