Principles of Communication

1. Speak the truth in love: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." - Ephesians 4:15

2. Avoid gossip and slander: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29

3. Listen actively: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." - James 1:19

4. Use words to encourage and uplift: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." - Ephesians 4:29

5. Seek reconciliation: "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24

6. Control the tongue: "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" - Psalm 141:3

7. Practice humility and gentleness: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2

8. Speak with wisdom: "The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips." - Proverbs 16:23

9. Be slow to anger: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." - James 1:19

10. Use words to glorify God: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." - Psalm 19:14