Building Relationships Via Better Communication

Introduction:

How important is the value of truth? It is essential. It is the bond that brings us together. It is the source of our love and unity. Communities of people are tied together by their value of the truth. We need a people who are honest with each other. Serve each other without pretense Need people who are not manipulative. And we need those who are connected to something bigger than themselves. James 5:12-20 is a stunning conclusion to the contents of this short epistle. What are three ways we build better relationships w/each other?

I. 5:12 – no swearing or cursing.

A.     We often think of swearing or cursing as foul language. That has not always been the case.

1.     Swearing/cursing is language that invokes the divine and spiritual.

B.     James simply follows the teaching of Jesus – the need to use oaths to back up our credibility suggests we are not truth tellers at all times.

1.     5:12b - Mean what you say and say what you mean.

C.     This passage goes deeper than we may commonly think.

1.     Our language is full of phrases “I’m going to be honest with you…” or “OK, here’s the truth.”

2.     Our written language & dialogue is duplicitous and misinforming.

3.     We live in a day of legal, careful speech that we can twist and bend through loopholes & technicalities.

D.     Disciples of Jesus have made a commitment to control their tongue.

II. 5:13-15 – Prayer and Praise

A.     Language of a truthful community is plain speech.

1.     Those who are in distress do not resort to cursing –they pray!

2.     Js. 3 – abuse of language is like a spark that sets a forest on fire.

B.     In prayer, we appeal to God.

1.     We speak the truth about God & about ourselves to God.

2.     Many of the psalms are from the hearts of the oppressed and distressed believers.

C.     The alternative is to praise God.

1.     Psalms were prayers and they were also songs.

2.     Those who are happy & cheerful tell the truth about it by praising God who gives good gifts.

III. 5:16-19 – Calling and Care

A.     Truthful communities are not just about words, they are about actions.

1.     Those who are weak are encouraged to summon the elders.

B.     Some have no problem with this, but for others, this is much harder. Why?

1.     We don’t like to admit our weaknesses or admit to being spiritually sick.

2.     Do not assume they know your need w/o a sign.

C.     5:16 – here we see sharing and saving.

1.     What of illness or spirit? Heart? Thoughts? Attitude?

2.     We can hide these…but they can be just as destructive and contagious as any virus.

Conclusion:

A.     Forgiveness means we all live in truth as a truthful community.

1.     James encourages us to reach out to the person who drifts from the truth.

B.     The goal is to restore the sinner to speaking and living the truth.

C.     How about you? Are you participating in the family here? Contributing to the families needs and assisting in building trust?