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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
God had been speaking words of hope into the world long before the arrival of Jesus, but the greatest message of God’s love came through him.
With Jesus’ arrival, God communicated with us directly as the Word of God made flesh for us and our salvation, thereby exhibiting to us just how beloved we are to God. In Jesus, we’ve been shown how to live and love as God desires. But in addition to all of this, we’ve also been shown the importance of how and what we communicate, in return.
What we say, how we speak, and the words we choose, matter. They mean the difference between sparking interest and understanding or closing down conversation and stifling relationships. Our body also speaks its own language that silently communicates who we are and how we are feeling about the world around us.
Facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone of voice are powerful communication tools.1 Open posture, making consistent eye contact, and using encouraging nonverbal cues like nodding and smiling show we are engaged, receptive, and attentive, which encourages the other person to continue sharing, thereby making them feel seen and heard.
Being seen and heard is the greatest gift we can give to others, especially when we disagree. Knowing someone is listening and open to receiving whatever message we have to give is paramount for true communication. And communication is paramount for good, healthy relationships.
This is the reason Jesus looked into the eyes of those he healed. It is the reason he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” rather than make assumptions. It is the reason he spoke directly, even to those who hated him and plotted his death. It is the reason the Word of God became flesh—to dwell among us and share in our human experience, to look into our eyes and allow us to be seen and heard.
God came into the world in order that we would listen with our own ears, see with our own eyes, and respond in word and deed with God’s love.
1 https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/nonverbal-communication
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