Christian communication - what are the keys?

Answer  
  

The art of Christian communication covers many aspects of the relationship between born\-again believers and our relationships with the world at large. There are in the New Testament what are called the "one another commands." These commands, when followed, are a source of correct Christian communication. The commands could be looked at as God’s code of conduct for Christian relationships. However, we do not naturally do the things that are commanded in the "one another’s." Christian communication is a skill we must choose to learn by submitting to the Word of God and by applying it to our lives.  
  

The following is a list of some of the “one another” commands found in the New Testament related to Christian communication:  
  

Love one another \- John 13:34 \& John 15:12,17\.  

Forgive one another \- Ephesians 4:32 \& Colossians 3:13\.  

Be servants to one another \- Galatians 5:13\.  

Show hospitality to one another \- 1 Peter 4:7\-10\.  

Pray for one another \- James 5:16\.  

Build up (edify) one another \- Romans 14:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:11\.  

Greet one another \- Romans 16:16, 1 Peter 5:14\.  

Forbear one another \- Ephesians. 4:1\-2 \& Colossians 3:13\-14\.  

Do not judge one another \- Romans 14:13\.  

Do not speak evil of one another \- James 4:11\.  

Do not murmur against one another \- James 5:9\.  

Do not bite and devour one another \- Galatians 5:15\.  

Do not provoke and envy one another \- Galatians 5:26\.  

Have the same care for one another \- 1 Corinthians 12:25\-26\.  

Receive one another \- Romans 15:7\.  

Teach one another \- Colossians 3:16\.  

Admonish (counsel) one another \- Romans 15:14 \& Colossians 3:16\.  

Submit to one another \- Ephesians 5:21\-22\.  

Confess your sins to one another \- James 5:16\.  

Do not lie to one another \- Colossians 3:9\.  

Be kind to one another \- Ephesians 4:32\.  

Comfort one another \- 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11\.  
  

Every Scripture reference in this list begins and ends with the first one. "A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34\). The love of Christ is the catalyst for our Christian communication with each other in our marriages and indeed in all our relationships.  
  

It is very interesting to note that the word *communication* can refer not only to our interpersonal relationships but also our whole manner of life, and these commands are a correct guide to walking as believers. As we comport ourselves according to the “one another” commands, we are "doers of the word and not just hearers" (James 1:22\), and we communicate to the world around us that we are children of our Father.  
  

