Communication has evolved through the years. Our ancestors didn’t have cell phones, fax machines, email, instant messaging, or video chat. These forms of electronic communication have connected humans in ways that were not possible for our ancestors. Yet, through all of the modern forms of human communication, nothing beats face-to-face communication. Now, for all the millennials out there, I’m not talking about face time on your phone, or any other form of video chat. I’m talking about being in the presence of a live human being in such a way that you can touch him or her.
In this form of communication you don’t hide behind a computer or phone. Face-to-face communication causes you to be aware of your surroundings. You wouldn’t have a full conversation with someone at a concert featuring a Symphony Orchestra, most people wouldn’t be quiet at a party, and when you are alone with someone you love, intimacy and transparency take place.
The question is…What does faith have to do with healthy communication? Healthy communication requires honesty, openness, and vulnerability. We must have faith that the person we are opening up to has our best interest in mind, won’t judge us, and won’t spread our business. Of course we don’t open up to everyone that crosses our path as there are different forms of communication based on the type of relationship established. Coworkers generally communicate facts and ideas, friends at school talk about the latest trends, and family members talk about everything. If we don’t trust the people we’re talking to then our communication will be limited to facts and ideas. The more we trust the person listening to us the more we will communicate our feelings, which is the deepest level of communication.
Healthy communication is being able to recognize when, where, and who to communicate thoughts, ideas, and emotions to. When we communicate the wrong things to the wrong people, confusion, awkwardness and embarrassment occur. As a rule of thumb, if we don’t feel safe expressing certain things to certain people then we shouldn’t feel compelled to do so.
“Be aware of who you are communicating with and express yourself according to the type of relationship you have with him/her.”
Growing in Faith 