The Limits and Power of Communication
Social problems often arise from the interaction of limited resources, unequal power dynamics, group identity, cognitive limitations, and weak institutions. Different societies face various combinations of these issues, which is why effective solutions usually require institutional, distributive, and cultural approaches—not just moral ones. While effective communication is crucial, it is often insufficient on its own because misinformation is present; as Jesus said, “Only the truth sets us free” (John 8:32)
Effective communication is most impactful when combined with sound judgment, adequate resources, fair procedures, enforceable agreements, and, at times, additional external support or intervention. In a civilized society, conflict should be viewed as a primitive response, since all human problems can potentially be resolved through effective communication. In marriage, if one spouse chooses to leave or harm the other, it may indicate deeper issues that the spouse is trying to conceal.
This principle also applies to nations: when a leader chooses war instead of negotiation to address the root causes of conflict, it signals a failure to communicate effectively due to a hidden agenda. The importance of communication was emphasized by Jesus. Although not all Christians may fully grasp this principle, those who follow Christ are expected to lead by example in promoting open and constructive dialogue.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:1–5 NIV).
Communication as a Divine Principle
Communication is essentially the process of transmitting information from a source to a recipient. Since God is the source of everything that exists, information that comes from Him can resolve all issues arising from miscommunication. There is no need to overthink the meaning of the Scripture passage in which the term “Word” is personified. The term is meant to highlight the importance of communication. By replacing “Word” with “communication,” the structure becomes clearer and emphasizes its significance.
“In the beginning, there was communication, and communication was with God, and communication was God. Communication was with God in the beginning. Through communication all things were made; without communication, nothing was made that has been made. In communication was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:1–5 NIV).
Of the two interpretations, the latter is more sensible because it enhances understanding without making the passage seem secretive. Understandably, some may argue that the second interpretation seeks to mislead people, yet true understanding arises from effective communication from the source. Effective communication is undeniably essential for resolving disputes, especially when the information’s origin is credible. This suggests that we should employ reason in situations where it may otherwise be lacking.
Communication as Lubrication
In simpler terms, communication is the process of exchanging information between parties to solve problems. When used correctly, communication acts like lubricant, helping to resolve contentious issues. Just as a mechanical engine cannot operate properly without lubrication—and can suffer damage if not properly cared for—an engine without lubrication may produce knocking sounds and eventually fail.
Automobile engineers recognize the significance of lubrication for the effective function of engine systems. A lack of lubrication in a car engine can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Similarly, humans require communication to build and maintain good relationships. There should be no reason for conflict when each party aims to advocate for its interests based on correct information.
Today, powerful countries display their nuclear capabilities, creating divisions between supporters of Western nations and those from the East. Currently, many African nations, perhaps naively, choose to align with either the West or Russia, which is viewed as an aggressor in its conflict with Ukraine. Outsiders often struggle to grasp the underlying reasons for the conflict, stemming from a lack of mutual understanding. Nuclear war poses a grave threat to humanity’s survival, with no true victors. This raises an important question: why do civilized nations fail to acknowledge such clear truths, and what prevents them from engaging in genuine dialogue?
Pride, Egotism, and the Failure to Listen
The reluctance to communicate often arises from a belief in one’s own correctness and a view of the opposing side as wrong. This mindset is rooted in egotism, which leads people to dismiss others’ perspectives. We can observe this behavior even in young children during their games, highlighting an issue that Jesus aimed to address. Without egotism, global peace could be attainable. Many of the world’s problems stem from egotism, in which the opinions of others are undervalued instead of being considered and guided by a common understanding.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel” (John 1:29–31 NIV).
John the Baptist referred to the Son of Man, a term used to describe Jesus. The sin of the world that he addressed was egotism or pride, which makes genuine communication impossible. Egotism is a pervasive issue that has prevented humanity from accessing true life throughout the ages. One fundamental reason Jesus used parables in His teachings was to conceal truth from proud individuals who might misuse perfect information.
The origin of pride can be traced to Satan, God’s adversary, whose aim is to distort rather than provide accurate information to unsuspecting humanity. The Son of Man symbolizes communication from the source that has existed since the beginning of humanity. Effective communication relies more on listening than on the desire to project one’s own ideas. James wisely emphasized the importance of being willing to listen.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:19–25 NIV).
Listening, Denominational Division, and the Word Made Flesh
God’s Word serves as the standard for addressing disputable matters. Therefore, when disagreements arise, it is essential for those who understand God’s Word to facilitate understanding among others. The purpose of communication is to foster understanding and, ultimately, to resolve disputes. The only true barrier to listening is pride, which contributes to the existence of multiple denominations, as individuals refuse to consider alternative viewpoints, believing their own perspective to be the most truthful because of their pride.
Interestingly, these denominations would rarely acknowledge their pride. This behavior aligns with what Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:5: “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many” (NIV). No matter how much effort one may put into helping any of these groups see a different perspective, the endeavor is likely to be futile. Each group often finds comfort in accusing others of being wrong while confidently asserting its own correctness. While one group may possess certain truths that others lack, the same can be said of those with differing views. Instead of seeking to learn from the source, there is a tendency to promote their own perspectives while denigrating those of others.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness, we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known (John 1:14–18 NIV).
This passage illustrates the concept of communication, often referred to as “the Word,” becoming flesh and dwelling among us. As stated in John 6:63 (NIV), “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” Jesus asserts that He represents the source point; therefore, everything He says should be regarded as the standard. Trusting Jesus in everything prevents division into various denominations, as currently exists.
Often, our inability to communicate leads us to create excuses for not engaging with our adversaries. We tend to assume that they are wrong and we are right, influenced by our respective denominational backgrounds. This issue has persisted throughout history, affecting people across the globe. However, it is essential to focus on the original communication that became flesh so that we can connect with it more easily.
Peter’s Rebuke and the Responsibility of the Communicator
From that time on, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:21–25 NIV).
The passage highlights an aspect of communication that humanity has often misunderstood. The individuals who sought to kill Jesus were not truly communicators; they failed to grasp the essence of effective communication. Jesus exemplified the ideal of communication. Therefore, if Jesus serves as the standard, we must draw from His experiences to understand what communication truly involves.
While Peter may appear unique in his actions, further examination of his conversation reveals that he, too, was influenced by the challenges of denominationalism that pervades our time. He attempted to prevent Jesus from teaching the disciples about the principles of communication. It is important to remember that God is the source of communication, and His perspective is impartial.
Recognizing the significant contradiction, Jesus responded emphatically: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23). By mentioning Satan, Jesus highlighted that this mentality creates confusion between God and humanity.
Human concerns often center on self-interest. In trying to support Jesus and address human needs, Peter inadvertently became a stumbling block. From a human perspective, there was nothing inherently wrong with Peter’s suggestion; in fact, he could be commended for defending Jesus. This misunderstanding also arises from a lack of awareness of the teachings found in the book of James.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19–20).
The anecdote illustrates the concept of communication based on the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated. This principle does not depend on whether the other person appreciates it. The ability to practice it is central to the source of effective communication. It places a responsibility on the informed individual, even if doing so seems to diminish their dignity. This is a lesson Peter struggled to grasp when rebuked by Jesus, despite being regarded as the chief apostle.
Just because someone lacks understanding does not mean that the communicator should act the same way. A person who takes responsibility for contentious issues in a situation does not avoid accountability; instead, they accept it gracefully, much like Jesus did. From a human perspective, shouldering that kind of responsibility may seem impossible, but that is precisely what Jesus accomplished. His followers are called to emulate His example.
Love, Reconciliation, and the Priority of Listening
“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:13–18 NIV).
The principle of communication involves stepping into another person’s shoes and striving to understand them before advancing one’s own interests. A truly loving man, when proposing marriage, would grasp this principle perfectly. It is only a callous person who imposes his own will on a woman he wishes to marry. A principled man, by contrast, would seek to understand the woman’s interests before considering his own.
In this context, her interests should take precedence, as it is rare for women to propose marriage themselves. When reflecting on the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, it becomes clear that Jesus never compromised on righteousness. He remained steadfast in defending the truth while not violently opposing His adversaries. His followers are expected to embody this same approach. The world is in dire need of the principle of communication more than anything else.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:17–20 NIV).
Reconciliation cannot be discussed without addressing the importance of communication. If someone is unwilling to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, how can they effectively promote the message of reconciliation? This perspective challenges the notion of being judgmental. An effective communicator is also a good listener; such a person prioritizes understanding the concerns of others before expressing his or her own ideas.
In essence, a person should strive to understand others before expecting to be understood. The more individuals with such qualities we have in the world, the more peace we can achieve. The key takeaway from this discussion is that the foundation of communication comes from God. Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of humanity, which is pride. His example of submitting to adversaries illustrates the principle of communication: we must listen before we can advocate for our own interests.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, which lays out standards for lifting Zimbabwe out of its current economic depression and into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, offering relief to those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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