Jehovah and Christ​—Foremost Communicators

“The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.”​—AMOS 3:7.

1. What methods of communication are employed today?

TODAY communication is a multimillion dollar business. All the books being published, all the newspapers and magazines regularly printed, all the radio and television programs that are broadcast, as well as all motion pictures and stage plays, are efforts at communication. The same is true of all letters written and mailed as well as all phone calls. All are efforts at communication.

2. What are some examples of the advances men have made in the technical aspects of communication?

² The advances men have made in the technical aspects of communication are staggering. For example, fiber-optic cables, which are a great improvement over copper cables, can carry many tens of thousands of telephone conversations at one time. Then there are the communication satellites, which orbit the earth in space and have equipment for relaying telephone, telegraph, radio, and television signals. One such satellite can simultaneously handle 30,000 telephone messages!

3. What happens when there are communication gaps?

³ But in spite of all these means of communication, there is much misery in the world because of a lack of communication between individuals. Thus, we are told “there is a growing gulf​—a widening ‘communications gap’—​between the governors and the governed.” And what is the so-called generation gap but the failure of parents and their offspring to communicate successfully with one another? Marriage counselors report that the biggest problem in marriages is a failure of communication between husband and wife. Lack of proper communication can even cause death. Early in 1990, 73 persons lost their lives in a plane crash, a contributing factor evidently being a failure of communication between the pilot and ground control. A newspaper headline declared: “Communication Snag Led to Tragedy.”

4. (a) What is meant by “communication”? (b) What is the goal of Christian communication?

⁴ What is communication in the Christian context? According to one dictionary, “communication” means “to transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood.” Another dictionary defines it as “a technique for expressing ideas effectively.” Notice, “expressing ideas effectively.” Christian communication especially needs to be effective because it has as its goal the reaching of people’s hearts with the truth from God’s Word so that, hopefully, they will act on what they learn. Uniquely, it is motivated by unselfishness, by love.

Jehovah as Communicator

5. What is one of the first ways Jehovah God communicated with man?

⁵ Jehovah God is undoubtedly the greatest Communicator. Because he created us in his image and likeness, he is able to communicate with us, and it is possible for us to communicate with others about him. Ever since the creation of man, Jehovah has communicated with his earthly creatures about himself. One way he has done this has been by means of his visible creation. Thus, the psalmist tells us: “The heavens are declaring the glory of God; and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling. One day after another day causes speech to bubble forth, and one night after another night shows forth knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1, 2) And Romans 1:20 informs us that God’s “invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward.” “Clearly seen” indicates effective communication!

6. What did Jehovah communicate to his earthly creatures while they were in the garden of Eden?

⁶ Those without faith in God and his divine revelation would have us believe that man is left to his own resources to ascertain why he exists. But God’s Word makes it clear that God has communicated with man from the beginning. Thus, to the first man and woman God gave the procreation mandate: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection . . . every living creature.” God also granted them to eat their fill of the fruits of the garden​—with just one exception. Then, when Adam and Eve disobeyed, Jehovah communicated the first Messianic promise, giving mankind a ray of hope: “I shall put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”​—Genesis 1:28; 2:16, 17; 3:15.

7. What does the book of Genesis reveal as to Jehovah’s communicating with his servants?

⁷ When Adam’s son Cain was filled with murderous envy, Jehovah God communicated with him, saying in effect: ‘Watch out! You are heading for trouble!’ But Cain refused to heed that warning and murdered his brother. (Genesis 4:6-8) Then, when the earth became filled with violence and wickedness, Jehovah communicated to the righteous man Noah His purpose to wipe the earth clean of all that was defiling it. (Genesis 6:13–7:5) After the Deluge, when Noah and his family came forth from the ark, Jehovah communicated to them his purpose regarding the sanctity of life and blood, and by means of the rainbow he gave the assurance that he would never again destroy all living things by a flood. Some centuries later, Jehovah communicated to Abraham His purpose to have all the families of mankind bless themselves by means of Abraham’s Seed. (Genesis 9:1-17; 12:1-3; 22:11, 12, 16-18) And when God decreed that he would destroy the perverts of Sodom and Gomorrah, he lovingly communicated that fact to Abraham, saying: “Am I keeping covered from Abraham what I am doing?”​—Genesis 18:17.

8. In what four ways has Jehovah communicated with his servants on earth?

⁸ Beginning with Moses, Jehovah used a long line of prophets to communicate with Israel. (Hebrews 1:1) Sometimes he used oral dictation, as when he told Moses: “Write down for yourself these words.” (Exodus 34:27) Much more frequently Jehovah communicated with his spokesmen by means of visions, as he had already done with Abraham.a Jehovah also used dreams to communicate with men, and not just with his servants but also with those having dealings with his servants. For instance, Jehovah caused two of Joseph’s fellow prisoners to have dreams, which Joseph interpreted for them. Jehovah also caused Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar to have dreams, which his servants Joseph and Daniel interpreted for them. (Genesis 40:8–41:32; Daniel, chapters 2 and 4) In addition, on many occasions Jehovah used angelic messengers to communicate with his servants.​—Exodus 3:2; Judges 6:11; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26.

9. What motivated Jehovah to communicate with his people Israel, as seen by what expressions of his?

⁹ All such communication by Jehovah through his prophets reflected his love for his people Israel. Thus, he stated by means of his prophet Ezekiel: “I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. Turn back, turn back from your bad ways, for why is it that you should die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11) Jehovah was a long-suffering and patient Communicator with his rebellious ancient people, as can be seen from 2 Chronicles 36:15, 16: “Jehovah the God of their forefathers kept sending against them by means of his messengers, sending again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling. But they were . . . despising his words and mocking at his prophets . . . until there was no healing.”

10. How does Jehovah communicate with his people today, and to what extent is he the God of communication?

¹⁰ Today, we have God’s inspired Word, the Holy Bible, by which Jehovah communicates to us information about himself, his purposes, and his will for us. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) In fact, as the Preeminent Communicator, Jehovah, declares: “The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) He makes known to his servants what he purposes to do.

God’s Son as Communicator

11. Who is Jehovah’s foremost instrumentality in communicating with man, and why is his title “the Word” appropriate?

¹¹ Of all the agents used by Jehovah to communicate His will, the foremost is the Word, the Logos, who became Jesus Christ. What is the import of his being called the Word, or Logos? That he is Jehovah’s Chief Spokesman. And what is a spokesman? One who communicates what another has to tell. So the Logos became the communicator of Jehovah God’s word to His intelligent earthly creation. That role is so important that he is called the Word.​—John 1:1, 2, 14.

12. (a) For what purpose did Jesus come to earth? (b) What testifies to his faithfully fulfilling that purpose?

¹² Jesus himself told Pontius Pilate that his main purpose in coming to earth was to communicate the truth to mankind: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) And the record in the Gospels tells how well he carried out that assignment. His Sermon on the Mount is recognized as the greatest sermon ever preached by a man. How well he communicated through that sermon! “The effect was that the crowds [who heard the sermon] were astounded at his way of teaching.” (Matthew 7:28) Concerning another occasion, we read: “The great crowd was listening to him with pleasure.” (Mark 12:37) When certain officers were sent to arrest Jesus, they came back without him. Why? They answered the Pharisees: “Never has another man spoken like this.”​—John 7:46.

Christ’s Disciples Commissioned to Be Communicators

13. What shows that Christ was not content with being a lone communicator?

¹³ Not content with being a lone communicator, Jesus first commissioned 12 apostles and then 70 evangelizers to go forth as communicators of the good news of the Kingdom. (Luke 9:1; 10:1) Then shortly before he ascended to heaven, he commissioned his disciples to perform a special task. What task? As we read at Matthew 28:19, 20, he instructed them to be communicators; and they were to teach still others also to become communicators.

14. How effective were the early Christian communicators?

¹⁴ Were the disciples effective communicators? They certainly were! As a result of their preaching on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., 3,000 souls were added to the newly formed Christian congregation. Soon the number increased to 5,000 men. (Acts 2:41; 4:4) No wonder that their Jewish foes accused them of filling all Jerusalem with their teaching and later complained that they had overturned the inhabited earth with their preaching!​—Acts 5:28; 17:6.

15. What instrumentality has Jehovah used in modern times to communicate with men?

¹⁵ What of modern times? As foretold at Matthew 24:3, 45-47, the Master, Jesus Christ, has appointed “the faithful and discreet slave,” made up of anointed Christians, to care for all his belongings on earth during this day of his presence. That faithful and discreet slave is represented today by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which has as its publicity agent the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Most appropriately, that faithful and discreet slave has also been called God’s channel of communication. It, in turn, encourages us to be good communicators. In fact, the very first issue of Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence counseled its readers: “If you have a neighbor or friend whom you think would be interested in or benefitted by [this magazine’s] instructions, you might call it to their attention; thus preaching the Word and doing good unto all men as you have opportunity.”

16. What shows that more is needed than just the Bible for God to communicate effectively with his earthly servants?

¹⁶ However, merely having access to the Word of God and personally reading it is not enough to gain the accurate knowledge that sets one on the road to life. Remember the Ethiopian court official who was reading the prophecy of Isaiah but did not understand what he was reading. Philip the evangelizer explained the prophecy to him, after which he was ready to be baptized as a disciple of Christ. (Acts 8:27-38) That more is needed than merely reading the Bible by oneself can be seen from Ephesians 4:11-13, where Paul shows that Christ not only gave some as inspired apostles and prophets but also gave “some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ, until we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man.”

17. By what identifying marks can we recognize the agency Jehovah is using today to communicate his purposes to mankind?

¹⁷ How can we identify those whom Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are using to help people who would be Christians to reach the status of a full-grown man? According to Jesus, one of the identifying marks would be that these love one another as Jesus loved his followers. (John 13:34, 35) Another identifying mark: They would be no part of the world, even as Jesus was no part of the world. (John 15:19; 17:16) Still another mark would be that they recognize God’s Word as the truth, as Jesus did, continually appealing to its authority. (Matthew 22:29; John 17:17) Putting God’s name to the fore, as Jesus did, would be another mark. (Matthew 6:9; John 17:6) And one more mark would be the following of Jesus’ example in preaching the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 4:17; 24:14) There is only one group that measures up to these requirements, namely the international communicators known as the Christian Witnesses of Jehovah.

18. What three areas for communication will further articles discuss?

¹⁸ Communication, however, implies responsibility toward others. With whom are Christians responsible to communicate? Basically, there are three areas in which Christians must be concerned with keeping open the lines of communication: the family circle, the Christian congregation, and the Christian field ministry. The succeeding articles will deal with these aspects of our subject.

[Footnotes]

Communicating Within the Family and in the Congregation

“Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt.”​—COLOSSIANS 4:6.

1. What did Adam say when God introduced Eve to him?

“NO MAN is an island . . . Every man is a piece of the continent.” So wrote an observant man of letters several centuries ago. In saying that, he was only corroborating what the Creator said about Adam: “It is not good for the man to continue by himself.” Adam had the gift of speech and language, for he had named all the animals. But Adam had no other human creature with whom he could communicate. No wonder that when God introduced lovely Eve to him as his wife, he exclaimed: “This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”! Thus, as the first human family got its start, Adam began to communicate with a fellow human.​—Genesis 2:18, 23.

2. What harm can result from uncontrolled television viewing?

² The family circle is an ideal place for communication. Indeed, the very success of family life depends on it. However, to communicate takes time and effort. Today, one of the biggest thieves of time is television. It can be an instrument for harm in at least two ways. On the one hand, it can be so enticing that family members become addicted to it, resulting in a dearth of communication. On the other hand, television can serve as a way of escape when there are misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Instead of working out problems, some marriage partners have chosen to clam up and watch television. So the TV set can well contribute to a failure to communicate, which is said to be the primary marriage wrecker. Those having difficulty in keeping television watching in a subordinate place may well consider dispensing with it altogether.​—Matthew 5:29; 18:9.

3. How have some benefited by limiting TV viewing?

³ In fact, glowing reports have come to hand telling of the blessings resulting when use of TV was reduced or even dispensed with. One family wrote: “We talk to one another more . . . , do more Bible research . . . We play games together . . . All aspects of our field service have increased.” Another family said after they got rid of their TV: “Not only are we saving money [they had subscribed to cable TV] but we have become closer as a family and have found many other worthwhile things to do with our time. We are never bored.”

Looking, Talking, and Listening

4. How may a married couple communicate appreciation for each other?

⁴ There are different forms of communication within the family. Some are nonverbal. When two people just look at each other, it is a form of communication. Being together can communicate a sense of caring. Mates should avoid being away from each other for extended periods of time unless there is an unavoidable reason. A married couple can foster happiness in each other by enjoyment of the close association they have within the marriage bond. By the affectionate and yet respectful way they behave toward each other, whether in public or in private, showing proper dignity in dress and manners, they can silently communicate deep appreciation of each other. Wise King Solomon expressed it in these words: “Let your water source prove to be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.”​—Proverbs 5:18.

5, 6. Why should husbands be aware of the importance of communicating with their wives?

⁵ Communication also calls for conversation, dialogue​—talking with each other, not at each other. While some women are better than men at expressing their feelings, that is no excuse for husbands to be silent partners. Christian husbands should be aware that lack of communication is a major problem in many marriages, and so they should work hard at keeping open the lines of communication. Indeed, they will do this if they, together with their wives, heed the fine counsel the apostle Paul gives at Ephesians 5:25-33. For a husband to love his wife as his own body, he must be concerned with her well-being and happiness, not just his own. To that end, communication is indispensable.

⁶ A husband should not take the attitude that his wife should surmise or guess that he appreciates her. She needs to be assured of his love for her. He can show his appreciation in many ways​—by expressions of endearment and unexpected gifts, as well as by keeping her fully informed as to matters that might affect her. There is also the challenge of expressing appreciation for his wife’s efforts, be it in her personal adornment, in her hard work in behalf of the family, or in her wholehearted support of spiritual activities. In addition, for a husband to heed the counsel of the apostle Peter at 1 Peter 3:7, to ‘dwell with his wife according to knowledge,’ he must have empathy, which is shown by communicating with her in all matters of mutual concern, bestowing honor upon her as the weaker vessel.​—Proverbs 31:28, 29.

7. What obligation does a wife have to communicate with her husband?

⁷ Likewise, for a wife to heed the counsel regarding subjection at Ephesians 5:22-24, she needs to be concerned with keeping open the lines of communication with her husband. She needs to accord her husband “deep respect,” both by her speech and by her conduct. Never should she act independently or ignore his wishes. (Ephesians 5:33) At all times, there should be confidential talk between her and her husband.​—Compare Proverbs 15:22.

8. To keep lines of communication open, what must wives be willing to do?

⁸ Further, a wife should guard against suffering in silence as a display of self-pity. If there is a misunderstanding, let her seek the right time to bring up the matter. Yes, take a lesson from Queen Esther. She had a life-and-death matter to bring to her husband’s attention. Her acting promptly with wisdom and tact meant salvation for the Jews. We owe it both to our mates and to ourselves to communicate if we have been or are being hurt. Tact and a godly sense of humor can help make communication easier.​—Esther 4:15–5:8.

9. What role does listening play in communication?

⁹ Implicit in using speech to keep open the lines of communication is the obligation of each to listen to what the other has to say​—and to make the effort to notice what has been left unsaid. That requires paying attention to the one speaking. Not only does one need to perceive the thought content but one also needs to pay attention to the emotional content, the way something is said. Often a husband comes short along this line. Wives may suffer because husbands fail to listen. And wives on their part need to listen carefully so that they avoid jumping to conclusions. “A wise person will listen and take in more instruction.”​—Proverbs 1:5.

Communication Between Parents and Children

10. To do justice in communicating with their children, what must parents be willing to do?

¹⁰ There is also the situation where parents and their offspring have difficulty in communicating. To “train up a boy according to the way for him” requires the establishing of lines of communication. Doing so will help ensure that “even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) That some parents lose their children to the world is sometimes related to a communication gap that developed during adolescence. The parents’ obligation to communicate continually with their children is highlighted at Deuteronomy 6:6, 7: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” Yes, parents must spend time with their children! They must be willing to make sacrifices in behalf of their children.

11. What are some things parents should communicate to their children?

¹¹ Parents, communicate to your children that Jehovah loves them and that you too love them. (Proverbs 4:1-4) Let them see your willingness to sacrifice comforts and pleasures for the sake of their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. Important in this regard is empathy, that is, the parents’ ability to view things through the eyes of their children. By displaying unselfish love, you parents can build a strong bond of union with your children and encourage them to confide in you rather than make confidants of their peers.​—Colossians 3:14.

12. Why should youths freely communicate with their parents?

¹² On the other hand, youths, you have the obligation to communicate with your parents. Appreciating what they have done for you will help you to take them into your confidence. You need their help and support, and it will be easier for them to give it if you freely communicate with them. Why make peers your main source of advice? These have likely done little for you in comparison with your parents. They have no more experience in life than you have, and if they are not part of the congregation, they are not really interested in your lasting welfare.

Communication Within the Congregation

13, 14. What Bible principles entail communication between Christians?

¹³ Another challenge is keeping the lines of communication open with your brothers in the congregation. We are strongly admonished not to forsake ‘the gathering of ourselves together.’ For what purpose do we gather? “To incite to love and fine works.” This calls for communication. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) If someone offends you, that is absolutely no reason for staying away from meetings. Keep the lines of communication open by following in principle the counsel Jesus gave us as recorded at Matthew 18:15-17. Talk with the one that you feel is causing your unhappiness.

¹⁴ When having difficulties with one of your brothers, heed such Scriptural counsel as that found at Colossians 3:13: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also.” That implies communication rather than a refusal to speak to someone. And should you notice that someone seems to be cool toward you, heed the counsel found at Matthew 5:23, 24. Communicate, and try to make peace with your brother. This calls for love and humility on your part, but you owe it to yourself and to your brother to heed Jesus’ counsel.

Counsel and Encouragement

15. Why should Christians not fail to communicate counsel when in a position to do so?

¹⁵ The obligation to communicate is also involved in heeding Paul’s counsel at Galatians 6:1: “Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted.” Modesty should cause us to welcome someone’s pointing out to us where we made a mistake in our speech or conduct. Actually, all of us should have the attitude that the psalmist David had when he wrote: “Should the righteous one strike me, it would be a loving-kindness; and should he reprove me, it would be oil upon the head, which my head would not want to refuse.” (Psalm 141:5) Elders should particularly be outstanding examples in humility, not insisting on a personal view but being ready to accept readjustment, having in mind that ‘the wounds inflicted by a loving friend are faithful.’​—Proverbs 27:6.

16. What sort of communication should youthful speakers welcome?

¹⁶ It is the course of wisdom and modesty for youths to seek counsel and direction from mature Christians, who will likely have something constructive to offer. Even elders can benefit in this way. For example, one elder said in a talk that the blessings mentioned at Revelation 7:16, 17, about not hungering and thirsting anymore, were things the other sheep could look forward to in the new world. However, it has been pointed out that this scripture applies primarily to the present time. (See Revelation​—Its Grand Climax At Hand!, pages 126-8.) An elder in the audience felt he should mention the matter, but before he had the opportunity to do so, the speaker himself phoned and asked for any suggestion on improving his talk. Yes, let us make it easier for those who would like to help us by communicating our desire for counsel. Let us not be touchy or unduly sensitive.

17. How can communication serve to upbuild our brothers?

¹⁷ King Solomon stated a principle that can well be applied to our discussion. He said: “Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27) We owe our brothers love. Paul said: “Do not you people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another; for he that loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) So be generous with your words of encouragement. Is a young ministerial servant giving his first public talk? Commend him. Has a sister tried hard or done exceedingly well in her Theocratic Ministry School assignment? Tell her how you enjoyed her efforts. By and large, our brothers and sisters are striving to do their best and will be encouraged by a loving expression of appreciation.

18. Where overconfidence is manifested, what would it be a kindness to do?

¹⁸ In contrast, a young speaker may have a lot of ability, but because of being young, he may exude more self-confidence than is seemly. What kind of communication would be called for here? Would it not be kind if a mature elder commended him for any fine points in his presentation but, at the same time, gently suggested ways in which he could cultivate modesty in the future? Such communication would show brotherly love and help younger ones to get rid of bad attitudes early, before they become ingrained.

19. Why should elders and family heads be communicators?

¹⁹ Elders communicate with one another and with the congregation about things that are beneficial​—avoiding, of course, revealing confidential matters, such as those related to judicial problems. Being overly secretive, however, results in distrust and discouragement and can harm the warm spirit in a congregation​—or in a family. For example, everyone enjoys hearing a report that is upbuilding. Just as the apostle Paul longed to communicate spiritual gifts, so elders should be anxious to impart upbuilding information to others.​—Proverbs 15:30; 25:25; Romans 1:11, 12.

20. With what aspect of communication will the succeeding article deal?

²⁰ Yes, communication is vital both in the Christian congregation and in the Christian family. Moreover, it is indispensable in yet another area. Where? In the Christian ministry. In the next article, we will consider ways to improve our communication skills in this very important activity.

Communication in the Christian Ministry

“Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.”​—MATTHEW 28:19.

1. What commission given by Christ implies the need to communicate?

JESUS’ commission, quoted above, presents us with the challenge of communicating with people in our ministry as we go from house to house, make return visits, and share in all other features of Kingdom preaching. Included in that commission is the responsibility to make known the truth about Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the Messianic Kingdom in which Jesus now rules.​—Matthew 25:31-33.

2. To communicate effectively, what do we need?

² How can we communicate effectively? First, we must believe in the information we are communicating. In other words, we must have strong faith that Jehovah is the one true God, that the Bible is really God’s Word, and that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for mankind. In that way, what we teach will come from the heart, and we will be heeding Paul’s counsel to Timothy: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”​—2 Timothy 2:15.

Nonverbal Communication

3-5. (a) How can we communicate without even saying a word? (b) What experiences bear this out?

³ Communication often involves words. But, in fact, we communicate with people even before we speak to them. How? By our bearing and by the way we dress and groom ourselves. Years ago a missionary graduate of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead was traveling by ocean liner to his foreign assignment. After a few days at sea, a stranger asked him why he was so different from all the others on board. The missionary was communicating something noteworthy​—that he had different standards and was approachable—​just by his appearance and his demeanor. This presented a fine opportunity for the missionary to give a witness.

⁴ Then again, a sister who was standing on the street offering Bible literature to passersby gave a friendly smile to a woman who walked near her. This woman started to go down the stairs into a subway station. Then she changed her mind, walked back to the sister, and asked for a home Bible study. What had impressed her? Although she had not been offered Bible literature, she had received a friendly smile from the Witness doing street work.

⁵ A third example: A group of young Witnesses had a meal in a restaurant and were surprised when a stranger approached their table and paid for their meals. Why did he do that? He had been impressed by their demeanor. Without saying a word to the stranger, these young Christians had communicated that they were God-fearing individuals. Clearly, by our bearing, appearance, and friendliness, we communicate even before we say a word.​—Compare 1 Peter 3:1, 2.

Reasoning Vital to Communication

6. Illustrate how reasoning is invaluable for communication.

⁶ To communicate verbally with people about the good news, we must be prepared, not to speak dogmatically, but to reason with them. We repeatedly read that Paul reasoned with those to whom he tried to impart the good news. (Acts 17:2, 17; 18:19) How can we follow his example? Well, worsening world conditions may have led some to doubt the existence of an almighty and loving God who cares for mankind. We could reason with them, though, that God has a time for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Thus, Galatians 4:4 says that when God’s due time came, he sent his Son to earth. This was thousands of years after he first promised to do so. Similarly, when his due time comes, he will make an end to suffering and wickedness. Moreover, God’s Word shows that God has compelling reasons for allowing wickedness to continue for so long. (Compare Exodus 9:16.) Reasoning along these lines, and supporting that reasoning with illustrations and strong Scriptural proof, will help sincere ones to realize that the prevalence of wickedness cannot be used as an argument that Jehovah does not exist or does not care.​—Romans 9:14-18.

7, 8. How might reasoning help us to communicate with an Orthodox Jew?

⁷ Suppose that while you are going from house to house, a householder says to you: “I’m a Jew. I’m not interested.” How might you proceed? One brother reports success using this approach: ‘I’m sure you will agree with me that Moses was one of the greatest prophets that God ever used. And did you know that he said as recorded at Deuteronomy 31:29: “I well know that after my death you will . . . turn aside from the way about which I have commanded you; and calamity will be bound to befall you”? Moses was a true prophet, so his words had to come true. Could it be that they came true when God sent the Messiah to the Jews and that is why the Jews did not accept him? That could have been the case. Now if this is so and they made a mistake, is that any reason why you and I should make the same mistake?’

⁸ Remember, too, the Jews have suffered much at the hands of Christendom, particularly during this century. So you may wish to tell the householder that we had no part in that. For example, you may wish to say: ‘Did you know that when Hitler was in power, Jehovah’s Witnesses defied his boycott of the Jews? They also refused to “Heil Hitler” and to serve in his army.’a

9, 10. How might reasoning be used to help one who believes in hellfire?

⁹ In endeavoring to communicate with one who believes in hellfire, you might reason that if an individual is to suffer eternally in hell, he must have an immortal soul. The believer in hellfire will readily agree. Then you can mention the account of the creation of Adam and Eve and kindly ask if he ever noticed in that account any mention of such an immortal soul. Proceeding with your reasoning, you may then draw his attention to Genesis 2:7, where the Bible tells us that Adam became a soul. And note what God said would be the result of Adam’s sin: “In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) Hence, Adam the soul went back to the dust.

¹⁰ You could also draw attention to the fact that nowhere in the Genesis account does God mention everlasting suffering in hellfire. When God warned Adam not to eat of the forbidden fruit, he said: “In the day you eat from it you will positively die.” (Genesis 2:17) No mention of hellfire! If the real result of sin for Adam was to be, not death, ‘returning to the dust,’ but eternal suffering, in all justice should God not have explained this clearly? Hence, careful and kind reasoning may help a sincere individual to see the inconsistencies of his belief. May we never overlook the importance of appealing to reason as we share with others the truth of God’s Word.​—Compare 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 John 4:8, 16.

Qualities Needed for Effective Communication

11-13. What Christian qualities can help us to communicate effectively?

¹¹ Now, what qualities must we cultivate in order to communicate Kingdom truths most effectively? Well, what does the example of Jesus tell us? At Matthew 11:28-30, we read his words: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” There we see one of the keys of Jesus’ success in communicating. He was mild-tempered and lowly in heart. Righthearted people found him refreshing. The apostle Paul also set a fine example, for, as he told the elders from Ephesus, from the first day he came to them, he was slaving for the Lord “with the greatest lowliness of mind.”​—Acts 20:19.

¹² By our always manifesting modesty and lowliness of mind, others will find that we too are refreshing, and it will be easier for us to communicate with them. Any other attitude likely will raise a barrier between us and those with whom we are trying to communicate. Truly, “wisdom is with the modest ones.”​—Proverbs 11:2.

¹³ In order to impart information effectively, we also need to be patient and tactful. The apostle Paul was certainly tactful when he witnessed to the philosophers assembled before him on Mars’ Hill. He presented the good news in a way that they could understand. (Acts 17:18, 22-31) If we wish to communicate successfully with our listeners, we must heed the counsel the apostle Paul gave to the Colossians when he said: “Let your conversation be always gracious, and never insipid; study how best to talk with each person you meet.” (Colossians 4:6, The New English Bible) Our speech should always be in good taste. Such speech will tend to open the minds of our listeners, whereas injudicious remarks will cause them to close their minds.

14. How may a relaxed, conversational approach help us to communicate with others?

¹⁴ We want to appear relaxed at all times. This helps put our listeners at ease. Being relaxed means not being too anxious to do all the talking. Rather, with an unhurried attitude and friendly questions, we give our listeners the opportunity to express themselves. Especially when we are witnessing informally is it wise to encourage the other person to talk. Thus, a Witness once found himself seated on a plane alongside a Roman Catholic priest. For more than an hour, the Witness kept plying the priest with tactful questions, and the priest, in answering, did most of the talking. But by the time they separated, the priest had obtained several Bible publications. Such a patient approach will help us to exercise another needed quality, namely empathy.

15, 16. How can empathy help us to communicate?

¹⁵ Empathy means putting ourselves in the place of others, as it were. The apostle Paul fully appreciated the need for empathy, as can be seen from what he wrote to the Corinthians: “Though I am free from all persons, I have made myself the slave to all, that I may gain the most persons. And so to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those under law I became as under law, though I myself am not under law, that I might gain those under law. To those without law I became as without law, although I am not without law toward God but under law toward Christ, that I might gain those without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to people of all sorts, that I might by all means save some.”​—1 Corinthians 9:19-22.

¹⁶ To imitate the apostle Paul in these respects, we need to be tactful, discerning, and observant. Empathy will help us to communicate the truth to our listeners according to their way of thinking and feeling. The publication Reasoning From the Scriptures gives much help along this line. Always have it with you in the ministry.

Love​—An Aid in Communication

17. Of all Christian qualities, which one is most valuable in communicating the truth effectively, and how is it shown?

¹⁷ Modesty, lowliness of mind, patience, and empathy are essential for effective communication in imparting information. Above all, though, unselfish love will help us to be successful in reaching the hearts of others. Jesus felt pity for the people because they were “skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd.” It was love that prompted Jesus to say: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.” (Matthew 9:36; 11:28) It is because we love them that we too want to refresh people and help them to get on the road to life. Ours is a message of love, so let us keep telling it in a loving way. This love manifests itself by a friendly smile, by kindness and gentleness, by cheerfulness and warmth.

18. How may we imitate Paul, as he imitated the Master?

¹⁸ In this respect the apostle Paul was a fine imitator of his Master, Jesus Christ. Why was he so successful in starting one congregation after another? Because of his zeal? Yes. But also because of the love he manifested. Note his expressions of affection with regard to the new congregation at Thessalonica: “We became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the good news of God, but also our own souls, because you became beloved to us.” Imitating Paul will help us in our efforts to communicate.​—1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.

19. Why should we not let unresponsive territory discourage us?

¹⁹ If we have done our best to communicate and we fail to get the desired results, should we be discouraged? Not at all. The Bible Students (as Jehovah’s Witnesses were formerly called) used to say that in order to accept the truth, people need to have the three h’s. They need to be honest, humble, and hungry. We cannot expect insincere people, those not honest, to respond favorably to the truth; nor can we expect arrogant or proud individuals to listen to the good news. Further, even if an individual has a measure of honesty and humility, it is not likely that he will take to the truth if he is not spiritually hungry.

20. Why can it always be said that our efforts have not been in vain?

²⁰ No doubt many that you meet in your territory will be lacking one or more of the three h’s. The prophet Jeremiah had the same experience. (Jeremiah 1:17-19; compare Matthew 5:3.) Still, our efforts are never in vain. Why not? Because we are advertising Jehovah’s name and Kingdom. By our preaching and by our very presence, we are warning the wicked. (Ezekiel 33:33) And never forget that by our efforts to communicate the truth to others, we benefit ourselves. (1 Timothy 4:16) We keep our faith strong and our Kingdom hope bright. Moreover, we maintain our integrity and thus share in sanctifying Jehovah God’s name, making his heart glad.​—Proverbs 27:11.

21. What can be said in summary?

²¹ To sum up: Communication is the effective imparting of information. The art of communication is vital, and much harm results when communication breaks down. We have seen that Jehovah God and Jesus Christ are the foremost communicators and that Jesus Christ commissioned a channel of communication for our day. We have also noted that by our grooming and behavior, we communicate, sending messages to others. We have learned that reasoning plays an important part in our trying to communicate with people and that to communicate effectively, we need to be modest and humble, manifest empathy, exercise patience, and, above all, be motivated by a heart full of love. If we cultivate these qualities and follow Bible examples, we will be successful Christian communicators.​—Romans 12:8-11.

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