I came to appreciate the importance of communication in a deeper way while on a missions trip in Brazil. I was standing in the airport in São Paulo after a 16-hour flight from Miami and found myself separated from my group. Time was running out and I needed to find the gate before our connecting flight to Fortaleza took off. I sought help but no one could understand me, and I couldn’t understand them.
Since I’m not bilingual (unless of course you count charades), I resorted to using whatever means I could to get my message across. So, I gestured toward signs and doorways with a quizzical look on my face. I was relieved when a man led me through the crowded walkway, motioning towards what appeared to be a customer service center. I made my way up to the desk and asked for help.
The agent spoke my language. It turned out the gate was right behind me. I couldn’t see it because the sign was obscured by the angle of a corridor wall. I made my way to the gate and was reunited with my travel companions.
Communication is at the heart of every human encounter. Sometimes we’re effective in it. Other times it’s like speaking a foreign language no one understands. When what we’re trying to communicate is important enough (like me trying to find the right gate) we make the effort to change the way we say something in order to deepen our mutual understanding.
Jesus traveled here so we could have a lasting relationship with God. Jesus came to Earth speaking a different language. He spoke a spiritual language and was often misunderstood. Yet, Jesus didn’t quit. His message was important. It was key to our understanding God’s great love for us. So, He continued to communicate that message. Jesus didn’t stop with mere words. The message was too urgent, too important. He took action. Jesus spoke the message of God’s love for us through death, burial, and resurrection.
When we reach out to others with the message of Jesus, we may seem to be speaking a foreign language. Just because we may be misunderstood doesn’t mean we should give up. I didn’t give up in the airport when no one understood me. I needed to find a way to communicate. It was important I didn’t get left behind. It is important others don’t get left behind and miss Heaven.
Let’s continue to try to find ways to improve, maintain, and appreciate open lines of communication when we are misunderstood like I did in Brazil. Let’s choose not to quit as we communicate the message of eternal life found through a personal relationship with Jesus.
*The Write Connection: Journaling Prompt:
Write about a time when you felt misunderstood as you shared the Gospel.
What could you have done differently?
The Bible Connection: Read John 3:1-11, 7:45-52, and 19:38-42.
From these verses what can we know about the man Nicodemus and how he viewed Jesus and his ministry?
Why would Jesus immediately address Nicodemus with such a puzzling spiritual truth in John 3?
In verse 10 of John 3, Jesus expressed an expectation he had of Nicodemus. Would Jesus have similar expectations for us today? Why? Or, why not?
The Heart Connection: Prayer:
Dear Lord, please don’t let us be misunderstood. We know sometimes our words and actions fall short when we reach out to others with the Gospel. Even so, help us to not give up. As we rely on you grant us the words we can speak and the actions we can take that communicate your love for others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
*The Write Connection is a one-day workshop presenting the biblical concepts of journaling and purpose boards with built-in creative time for the participants. If you are interested in hosting this workshop, please contact Carla G. Pollard by e-mail to carla@carlagpollard.com.
**All photos are copyrighted and used by permission from Carla G. Pollard 2014.
I remember being in a foreign country and struggling to find someone who could speak English so I could ask a question. It’s scary! I pray with you–that our Father will give us the words to speak (and the actions which accompany our words) to spread the Good News of Jesus, and that we will not be misunderstood. Thank you for sharing this inspiring message.
Thank you, Katherine. I appreciate your time in reading and commenting on this post. As a Christian writer I try to form the message God desires and I pray for its effectiveness. It is always encouraging when God reveals He’s answering those prayers.
Lots of good thoughts here Ms. Carla. Am learning that many may not want to hear what I’m saying to them, but I trust that God will help me reach those He intends me to reach. My job is to keep sowing the seeds while He brings the harvest. Thank you this great post. God’s blessings ma’am.
I agree, JD. We are called to sow and water. God is the one who births the new life from the seed. Blessings, Brother, may God continue to use you in reaching souls for Him.
Thanks for your post, Carla! I feel like I’m a terrible communicator. I get all tongue tied and nervous. Thank you for the encouragement not to give up!
Thank you for taking time to read my post. We all have those moments of feeling like we aren’t getting our message across effectively. Trust God can use even those moments. (BTW: You seem really good at it to me;) ).