Bible Secrets of Communication

Based on Pastor Glenn Coon's book "The Art of Bible Counseling"

Humility

The Mind of Christ

“He humbled Himself“ Philippians 2:8

Be gentle and respectful, don't be demeaning

"Honor all people...." 1 Peter 2:1. "Speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." Titus 3:2. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.“ Galatians 6:1 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (KJV) Philippians 2:3

Admit and own your past mistakes

"Confess your trespasses to one another..” James 5:16 

Show an interest in people, listen to them, ask questions 

“Look out.. for the interests of others.“ Philippians 2:4. “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.” Luke 2:46. 

Don’t usurp the Holy Spirit’s role

"... [The Holy Spirit] will convict the world of sin..." John 16:8

Don’t be an accuser

"the accuser of our brethren.. has been cast down" Revelation 12:10

Choice

Let people make their own choices

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15

Respect personal space

“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” Proverbs 25:17 (KJV)

Let people learn from their own mistakes 

"For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7

Let them ask you for help or advice

"Ask, and it will be given to you..." Luke 11:9

“When your son asks you...“ Deuteronomy 6:20

"...ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you.." 1 Peter 3:15

Don’t overwhelm people, wait until they ask you

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” John 16:12. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6

“True education is not the forcing of instruction on an unready and unreceptive mind. The mental powers must be awakened, the interest aroused.” Education, p. 41

Jesus and Joy

Jesus is winsome, let Him be seen in you

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her... " Hosea 2:14

 

Let Jesus be seen as your the source of joy and strength
"... In Your presence is fullness of joy..." Psalm 16:11. " the joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" Galatians 2:20. Jesus said "Without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7. "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24

Joy, Prayer, and Gratitude, No Complaining

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Do not grumble against one another" James 5:9 “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing" Philippians 2:13-14. "Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness..." Psalm 107:8.. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" Psalm 103:2. 

 

Repetition deepens impression, it becomes what you experience

"I will bless the Lord at all times" Psalm 34:1

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7  

"According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:29    

 

Faith, Love, and Hope

 

We all need faith in God's love and to find our identity in Him

"I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me" Galatians 2:20. "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." 1 John 3:1. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18. "The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." Proverbs 29:25.

 

It's that faith leads to having a victorious life

"This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" 1 John 5:4

Express faith in the sincerity of others even if you don't see it

"...God... calls those things which do not exist as though they did" Romans 4:17

 

We are purified by the hope

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:2-3 

 

Hope: God pours His love into our hearts

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

 

Love awakens love

"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19 

Faith, Hope, Love

" And now abide faith, hope, love, 

these three; but the greatest of these is love." 

1 Corinthians 13:13