Communication

Q: What is communication?

A Definition for Communication Communication can be defined as the exchange of ideas, feelings and meanings and the giving and receiving of messages.

The Communication Model Medium Message Receiver Feedback Sender of the Message

Example: SENDER MESSAGE MEDIUM RECEIVER FEEDBACK Police Officer “You have a $300.00 fine for speeding” Hands you ticket Air (Voice) Paper (Ticket) Me “Sorry officer’ Friend “Let’s go to a movie” Electronic (Text message) “Sure. TTYL” Pet Owner “Come here Fido!” Fido “Arf”

Q: What constitutes most human communication? Words Tone/Feeling Body Language

Why is Communication Important? Relationships are built on communication. Communication is the bridge that connects people. When it breaks down, relationships break down. Good communication requires a receptive, open mind and the attitudes of trust, hope and acceptance.

Communication Attitudes The following three attitudes are required for good communication: 1. Trust: We act on the assumption that the other person will not disappoint us or hurt us (Element of risk). 2. Hope: This is our readiness to respond to a person without necessarily knowing exactly what the outcome of communicating will be (Sense of adventure). 3. Acceptance: We need to accept people as they are, in their uniqueness and specialness, in order to have an interchange of experience and understanding with them (Openness to others).

The Christian Connection to Communication SENDER MESSAGE MEDIUM RECEIVER FEEDBACK God the Father Jesus is the ‘’way the truth and the life” Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).   I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35). Very truly, I tell you, servants* are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them (John 13:16). The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news (Mark 1:14-15). Christ Jesus All of Humanity (You and me!) Follow the teachings and example of Christ. Live the Greatest Commandment Serve others and you serve Christ. Repent and Believe in the Good News

God The Many Ways God Communicates to Us: Jesus Faithful Men and Women Holy Spirit Church The Word (Scripture) Creation Sacraments Prayer Faithful Men and Women

Prophets: Faithful Men and Women Prophets arose to call the Israelites back to their faith. Prophets were the voice of God to the people. They had an experience of God, heard God’s word, received God’s plans and spoke God’s words. They also carried out sacred traditions. Central to these traditions was the covenant. Prophets only obeyed God and were not influenced by power, personal glory, or possessions. They arose where there was chaos, suffering, and misery.

Isaiah: An Example of a Prophet Isaiah means “Yahweh Saves.” According to sources, Isaiah was called to be a prophet at the age of 18 “in the year King Uzziah of Judah died, which would have been around 742 B.C.” Isaiah preached during a time when Israel had been divided into two kingdoms. Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ, reminded everyone that they were all children of God, and portrayed God as compassionate and merciful. 

Reflection Questions: Do you believe God can speak to you in a way that you know that it is him? Why or why not? Share a time when you believe God “spoke” to you. What was its impact?   In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah “saw” the Lord in the “tiny whispering sound.” Do you believe that God can speak to you, as you come to him in prayer? Why or why not?