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(MESSAGE)
RECEIVER
FEEDBACK
While this depiction of the communicative process is simplistic (as well as being
painfully modernist), it does offer a convenient framework on which to hang the biblical
data so we can have a good look at it all in one place. The purpose of this outline is not
to compose a theology of communication (that's still in the works!), but to bring much of
the scripture (of a propositional sort) to light on the subject in a non-technical way as a
resource for speakers and an aid to spiritual growth. Meditating your way through the
outline is a very risky thing to do!
Understandable, Christians tend to look at the Bible as the story of God communicating
with humanity. It is. However, apart from sermons like "Taming the Tongue," and "How
to Be Happy Though Married," the church plays relatively little attention to humanity's
most important daily task: understanding each other. Perhaps more than anything else,
God has made us communicative beings. This outline provides a basic owner's manual
for people who want to mean well.
All scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Version of the Bible
unless otherwise noted.
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
I. The Sender: communication is the responsibility of the sender. We tend to blame the
listener for any "failure to communicate." But a sender with integrity will shoulder
this responsibility.
A) The Senders attributes are determined by . . .
1. Condition of the heart.
Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
The heart of the wicked is worth little.
Proverbs 10:31-32
The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
But the perverted tongue will be cut off.
The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.
Proverbs 16:13
The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,
And adds persuasiveness to his lips. (or: learning)
Proverbs 18:4
The words of a mans mouth are deep waters;
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Matthew 12:34
For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
2. Choices of the mind.
Psalm 17:30
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.
Psalm 39:1
I said, I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle,
While the wicked are in my presence.
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad.
Proverbs 15:4
A soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but perversion in it crushes the spirit.
(lit. healing)
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 25:15
By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
1 Peter 3:1-2
In the same way, you wives be submissive to your own husbands so that
even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without
a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and
respectful behavior.
B) The message can be godly if it is . . . . .
1. Truthful in content
Ephesians 4:15
but speak the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects unto
Him, who is the head, even Christ.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you
with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued . . ..
(or: given to double-talk)
Proverbs 12:19 (NIV)
"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a
moment."
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
3. Correct in doctrine
Titus 2:1
But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound
doctrine.
Titus 2:6-8
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible, in all things show
yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine,
dignifiedsound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that
the opponent be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
4. Appropriate to
a. The Situation
Proverbs 25:11
Like apples of god in settings of silver,
is a word spoken in right circumstances.
b. The Listener
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with
salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each
person.
5. Encouraging in effect
Romans 14:19
So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the
building up of one another.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such
a word as is good for edification according to the need of the
moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.
(lit. rotten)
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
III. The Receiver: biblical communicators are servants, not masters. The sharing of
meaning is for the benefit of the Receiver. Listening is the Receiver's obligation,
while the sender conveys meanings with relevance, authenticity, and love.
A) Godly Receiver values listening over speaking
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
Proverbs 18:14
He who gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him.
James 1:19-20
But let everyone be quick to hear,
slow to speak and slow to anger;
for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
B) A Godly Receiver values the message
Job 34:3
For the ear tests words, as the palate tastes food. Let us choose for
ourselves, that which is right.
Proverbs 15:31
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof,
Will dwell among the wise.
Proverbs 18:15
The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
C) A Godly Receiver values acceptance over judgment.
Romans 15:17
Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the
glory of God.
Colossians 3:12-13
and so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put
on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a
complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should
you.
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
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Proverbs 25:15
"Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue
can break a bone."
3. Appropriate
Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy in an apt answer,
and how delightful is a timely word.
Proverbs 27:14
"If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be
taken as a curse."
B) Godly feedback to the Sender will . . .
1. Reinforce the Senders desire to communicate
Proverbs 20:5
A plan in a mans heart is like deep water,
But a man of understanding draws it out.
2. Be reinforced by deeds of love.
1 John 3:18
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed
and truth."
Earl Creps
www.agts.edu
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