The Power of Communication

       Today I wanted to talk a little about the Power of Communication. I hope that by reading this that you can find ways to better communicate with others and to be more respectful as you converse with others in your every day life. As we talk about these things I want you to remember some of the things I have talked about in recent posts. One of which is that we should always be respectful of others, these are a few ideas that i have mentioned before that I think can really help improve our communication skills and our respect for others:

1. "Seek to understand, then to be understood." (The Seven Habits for Highly Effective People. By Stephen R. Covey)  Simply put. When talking to those of other faiths, (and ethnicity), seek to understand the other person before trying to be understood. This can help strengthen friendships and mutual understanding.
2. Be accurate in your statements and make sure that what you are saying is backed up by solid, true evidence.

       So these two things are pretty cool and if you look at why these two suggestions are so powerful then it will help you to understand the benefits and good that can come from these.

       So why are they so powerful? Well there are several different reasons that can really show the power of good communication skills. One of which is what Stephen R. Covey talked about in his book. That we can be understanding and listen to others as they speak, with intent and attention. As we do these people feel understood and tend to feel good that the opinions and feelings that they have could be easily expressed to someone else, who is really listening. It seems silly but if you really try to listen to others, without getting distracted or sidetracked, you can listen and learn what they might have to say, even if it may not apply to you, and learn something that may have never known. Sometimes we may not realize the power that someone's opinion has and if we never allow it to be shared, we may never know the true feelings someone has and thus potentially endanger a precious relationship. 

       Many times I have heard and read snippets of books and articles talking about the communication between Husband and Wife and Parents and siblings, and they almost all talk about respect and confidence in communication. But I want to talk a little more about something else that I feel can really improve the relationships of Husband and Wife, Parents and Children and Siblings to Siblings. So then why are these principles so important? Why do they need to be used? Why should they be used? Well let's look opposite of good communication:
Conversation would be laced with vulgarity, degradation and disrespect, the way we would communicate would never be gentle or merciful, but instead would be filled with hate, judgement, and would decay away any relationships we have whilst separating the sacred bonds of family unity and love.

       Sounds pretty dreadful, doesn't it? Well let's look at the good this time: Communication would be respectful, polite and with grace. We would communicate in ways that God would expect of us, and we would speak with love and mercy, with those we interact with. We would respect each other and never speak ill of someone and we would love rather than hate. there would be peace and joy within the world and many of the problems we have today would be gone. 

       These principles can change lives and help us feel unity in our families and with our loved ones. Not only can they unite but they can change the way we think about others and the way that we respect others as well.
       
       So now let's talk about the Language and communication that God would want us to use.   So what does that include? Well there are several things that God has asked us to do as we live here on earth. So then what does He ask us to do? Well let's take a look into the scriptures: 

-Alma 42: 31- "...And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness..."

-Zechariah 8:16- "These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:"

       So think about these scriptures for a moment. (You can even pull your scriptures out and read them in context if you want.)

       What did you learn, what did you get from reading and thinking about those? Well let's look at some answers and if you would like to give some input you can always comment down below, and any questions or comments you might have don't hesitate putting them down there.

       Alright so some answers and tips on good education and these are my opinions, so this is not the perfect answer for all situations, this is just a perspective that I have on the topic so:

1. Take the time to listen and to pay attention to those who you are listening to.

2. Take the time to get to know your loved ones. Listen to their story, they have something to say and I can say personally that when someone really listens to my story and my life, it is one of the best feelings that I have had knowing that someone truly cares about me and what I have to say.

3. Hold your tongue! In this life there are many times when we bump into each other and have fights, quarrels and mis-communications (hold the pun) where we get mad and find ourselves acting a little like animals, making grunting noises and getting ready to charge with a comeback or insult. We may say things that are disrespectful and downright mean. Well just like I said before, Hold your tongue! It may be so hard to not retort and get back at someone and it may even get worse if you don't keep adding to it, but I promise you that if you think about what you are saying and doing in that moment, and try to be respectful in what you say and do, things will get better, it may take time but it will get better. The power of Love and Respect is so much more powerful than we really can comprehend, it can change people, thoughts, actions and relationships. Imagine what a little love and respect could do in your life.

4. Forgive. Simply said, even if someone continues to be rude and you are being as respectful as possible. Remember it is your responsibility to forgive and forget the actions of others. Don't take it personally and remember that we are all imperfect and make mistakes. When we understand that we can forgive those who hurt our spirits and feelings. Now, sometimes we may have done something to someone else and they have forgiven us, but we have never forgiven ourselves. This is so important for progression, because Satan can pull us down by our feelings of guilt and pain from things that have been resolved. Forgive yourself and realize that you aren't perfect either.

5. Love. love and care for your family and friends, do something each day for someone you care about and do your best to show that you love your family, through your actions, thoughts and words. The Savior taught "Love one another as I have loved you." There is no greater example that compares to the Savior and His example of true love. Follow His example.

       The Atonement was given to us that we might live if we repent of our sins and do our part to do these things. It is through faith and works that the Lord can find us worthy of the gift of the Atonement. Let us do our part to love others and be the example. I promise that these tips will help and it will take time, it doesn't just happen over night, it takes constant effort and faith to do what the Lord requires of us.

       Imagine if the world as a whole would use good communication skills. What would it be like, how would people change? I invite you to think on this and think of how the world would be different and how we can use these tips to help change our lives and influence the lives of others.
       To conclude I want to quote Nephi of old: 1 Nephi 3:7- 7 “…I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

       It is my prayer that we may follow these things and do what the Lord has commanded of us and I do so humbly in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Brother, Amen.