Pure Communication

Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. (Doctrine & Covenants 1:24)

Image: Caleb Oquendo - Pexels

From our first breaths, we learn a language of communication within a micro-community called a family. Our experiences, education, and examples within our family shape how we send, receive, and process communication. We probably have terminology, quirks, humor, processes, or interests unique to our family. When we begin to interact with others from different families or cultures, things may get lost in translation or we may make inaccurate assumptions. Learning to communicate with others who communicate differently takes time and effort but we've been given a perfect example.

Our elder brother Jesus Christ exemplifies the principles that build healthy and joyful relationships. He also created the channel by which we can re-enter the presence of our Heavenly Parents. His patience, humility, and care, are evident in his earthly life and the different ways He has communicated the same principles throughout history. Let’s compare three different scriptures:

Doctrine & Covenants 78:7: For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.

Philippians 4:9 Christ: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Doctrine & Covenants 25:15 Christ said: “Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. Except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.”

These three scriptures convey the same concept: We must follow Christ’s example to partake with Him in Exaltation, but the manner of communication they employ - the wording and the emphasis - are different. Which one resonates best with you?

Important to note is that each of these scriptures is an invitation and not an exclusive one. We may seek out a relationship with God individually, but in doing so we become part of a community, part of God’s family. This means there can be no relationship with God if we stop striving to relate to one another. Christ meets us where we are and asks us to meet others where they are: to make better assumptions, speak kinder words, and exercise more patience. Giving people the chance to understand and to change is what God is all about.