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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Regaining Lost Credibility

For communications to be credible, trustworthiness must be the dominant attribute in each person’s character. In the initial days of most relationships, credibility in what is communicated is taken as reality since there isn't cause for doubt or disbelief. Therefore effective communication is inherently dependent upon integrity and honesty.

  

Credibility is definitely lost through dishonest communications, which ironically reveal the truth concerning a person’s character. Every child will at times fail to tell the truth, especially if he or she is in danger of facing punishment. However, some people distort the truth simply because it’s become a habit in the way they communicate.

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, lost credibility when he was asked, “Don’t you know Jesus?” He denied ever knowing Jesus. Credibility must be protected for it will be needed in every area of life. Ephesians 4:25 states, “You must put aside every falsehood and practice telling the truth.” Always be ready to defend your credibility with the truth.

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Then take on an entirely new way of life – a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

~Ephesians 4:23-24 The Message

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