body language

Are you a good communicator? We communicate not only through what we say or write, but also with signals that we give consciously or unconsciously. Our body language communicates with other people and sends additional information to the simple spoken word. For example, someone attending a job interview may tell their potential employer that they are comfortable, but their clenched hands and the fidgeting of the chair convey something else. One person can feign an interest in what another person is saying, but their constant lack of eye contact gives the game away. Interestingly, the apostle Paul describes that each of us is a part of the body of Christ: "You are the body of Christ and each one is a member" (1. Corinthians 12,27).

The question arises: which body language do you communicate as a member of the body of Christ? You may say or write many good, positive and encouraging things, but it is the way you behave that says much more. How you shape your life communicates loud and clear what your values ​​and beliefs are. Your attitudes convey the true message that you bring to your fellow human beings.
Are we as an individual, local church or church warm-hearted, friendly and receptive to others? Or are we selfish and crazy and barely notice anyone outside our own small group? Our attitudes speak and communicate with the observing world. Our words of love, acceptance, appreciation and belonging can be stopped in their tracks if our body language denies them.

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of the body, although they are many, are still one body: so also Christ. For we are all baptized into one body by one Spirit, whether we are Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and are all imbued with one Spirit. Because even the body is not one member, but many »(1. Corinthians 12,12-14).
We want to state that our body language should bring honor to all fellow human beings. When we demonstrate the great way of love, they will see that we really are the disciples of Christ because he loved us and gave himself for us. Jesus said: «I give you a new commandment: that you love one another. As I have loved you, you too should love one another. From this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you give space to love »(John 13,34-35). While the love for Christ in us is passed on to other people in practically all situations in life, our body language confirms what we say. That is effective communication.

Words come so easily out of your mouth and are cheap if they are not supported by your actions and attitudes of love. When you communicate, whether through the spoken or written word or the way you live, people can see the love of Jesus in you. A love that forgives, accepts, heals and reaches everyone. May that be your body language for all the conversations you lead.

by Barry Robinson