Thursday January 27, 2022

Jacques a said !

John 18:34 – Jesus answered : “Do you say this of yourself, or have others told you of me ?".

I would like to address an important topic about communication. In a world that is constantly connected and communicating non-stop, I think it is good to establish some ground rules.

The first is to seek information at the source. How many of us have been trapped by reported words. We cannot be satisfied with "so and so said", we will only be able to get a clear idea of ​​someone's words if we hear it ourselves. Very often the words are distorted, scratched by the “understanding filter” of the person who reports them. Before reacting, kicking in the stretches, if possible, let's go to the person who spoke with a question like : "Did you say that and did that really mean what I understand ?".

Second, how were things said ? Today, the word often gives way to other means of communication, but an email, a text message, a Facebook comment does not always communicate the thought exactly. This is why I encourage, as much as possible, to communicate with the voice, the top being to be between four eyes. A written message does not communicate the intonation or bodily signs that accompany the speaker.

Finally, thirdly, it is good to examine the motivations of the one who speaks to us, especially if he reports the words of another. Good questions to ask yourself are : “Why is he telling me this ? What does he hope for by announcing these words to me ?...”. From the outset, you will be able to notice that some people are ill-intentioned, that they seek with “their speeches” to destabilize you, to hurt you, to create suspicion or even to destroy this or that relationship. If someone wants to harm you, even unknowingly, why listen to what they have to say ? The deep motivations of human beings are sometimes very twisted, the prophet Jeremiah will say it elsewhere : “The heart is crooked above all, and it is wicked : Who can know it ?" (Jeremiah 17.9).

In summary let's take Jacques as a guinea pig. What Jacques said, did he tell me personally ? If so, did he say it to me in person, between four eyes, or did he write it to me ? Finally, if what Jacques said has been reported to me, what are the motivations of the person who peddles his words ?

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries) https://ez37m.com