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Language is the God given tool we use to communicate with each other; our primary source of speaking and understanding each other. It is the way we propagate our thoughts and feelings; words that we are accustomed to hearing mainly in an auditory fashion. However, speech is not the sole form of communication. Body language is another. It is one of the most powerful forms of speaking yet it is becoming an extinct lingo. We pay it no mind any longer. Our technology infested society has crippled us. In the auspice of progress many Christians neglect a very critical piece in communication – looking at each other. When we look at each other we can hear the body speak. Looking encompasses one very important tool- the eyes. We are admonished by Paul in Philippians 2:4 KJV to “Look not every man on his own things, but every man on the things of others.” The operative word is “look”. It is next to impossible to look at others when all you can see is your demanding schedule or problems. We are hearing and texting, hearing and planning, hearing and writing, overcome by multitasking. Listening requires are full attention, the whole person. In order to truly edify and encourage your Christian brother and sister in love, we must practice pausing from our own agenda, closing our mouths, opening our eyes, and listening with our hearts. Just by looking at each other we put ourselves in a better position to strengthen each other and draw others to Christ.
A person’s body language speaks much louder than words. It is a premiere view into what is truly going on as opposed to what we may choose to divulge. Having two children with mental disabilities and speech impairment has taught me a great deal about body language. It is my major form of communicating with them. I am forced to look at them and discern their gestures. Ironically, I intuitively understand more about their needs and desires than my other three perfectly intelligent sons. I find myself often speaking to them from different rooms in the house. Missing the grimace on their face when I am requiring them to do something they are apprehensive about. Many times asking them how their day went as I prepare for my evening. Hearing a quick “fine” but missing the widened pupil induced by fear. People are speaking all around us and never opening their mouths. Slumped shoulders, clenched fist, creased foreheads screaming for help beckoning for attention. We can’t help if we don’t see. We want see if we don’t look. If you are blessed with the magnificent gift of sight I challenge you as Christians to take full advantage of it. Look at people. Look at your spouses, children, and church members. Look at the person on the bus stop, in the grocery store, at the mall. The body language is telling you something you need to know. There is a reason your wife is sitting four feet away from you on the same couch with a hung head. The lips may be sealed but the heart is screaming “I’m hurt”. There is a reason your child’s eyes twitch every time you look them in the eye. They are hiding something from you. There is a reason that the homeless person on the street bites their lip when you pass out lunches. They feel you are not in touch with their world. Looking at people mentally prepares you to connect with them. Responding to what you see seals that connection. Let’s not underestimate the power of body language in our ministries and personal lives. Abel’s blood is still speaking.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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