How Christians Communicate: Created To Communicate
Created to Communicate: Reflecting God’s Image Through Communication
Moms and dads across the globe all battle the same war shortly after becoming parents. “Say momma. Come on. Momma!” “No, say dada. Da-da. You can do it!”
Right after seeing a baby take his/her first steps is the joy behind hearing a child speak their first words. We love experiencing a person be able to verbally communicate for the first time. We clap and cheer, knowing that this is just the beginning of a deepening relationship we will have with this child. Now, at 2 years old we might wish that they forget how to talk, but that’s another subject.
Communication is a fundamental part of our human experience. It shapes relationships, drives progress, and has the power to heal or harm. But why does communication matter so much? To answer this, we must look to the Creator Himself. God, the master communicator, has woven into the fabric of humanity the capacity for meaningful and life-giving communication. This truth implores us to take this privilege with great respect, honor, and responsibility. How you communicate, disciple of Jesus, is important.
Pause with me for a few minutes as we explore the divine origins of communication and how we, as image-bearers of God, are called to use it intentionally.
A Blank Canvas of Potential
Imagine standing before a blank canvas, its stark white surface brimming with possibility. To many, it might seem intimidating—a void waiting to be filled. But to someone like Bob Ross, the canvas isn’t empty; it’s alive with opportunity. He sees beyond the white, envisioning serene landscapes, towering mountains, and happy little trees. With each stroke of his brush, the canvas transforms, bringing a world of beauty into existence.
The same is true for our capacity to communicate. Like the canvas, our words and actions hold endless potential. They can paint a picture of encouragement, truth, and love, or they can create a chaotic swirl of misunderstanding and harm. Every conversation, every interaction, is another stroke on the canvas of life.
Bob Ross often said, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” His perspective reminds us that even when our communication falters, there is grace and an opportunity to create something beautiful from the mess. This metaphor sets the stage for our discussion: What masterpiece are you painting with your words and actions?
Communication matters deeply because it reflects God’s character and purpose. Genesis 1:26-27 shares the conversation God had when creating us saying, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” At the core of being made in God’s image is the ability to communicate, mirroring His creative, purposeful, and relational nature. Just as an artist brings order, meaning, and beauty to a blank canvas, we are called to use our communication to bring life and clarity into the world.
When God created humanity, He imbued us with His nature. This includes the power to speak, to listen, and to connect. Like a skilled artist, He crafted us to reflect His glory, using our words to build relationships, inspire change, and bring hope. Just as a single stroke on a canvas can change the entire picture, our words have the power to transform lives. The question is, are we wielding this gift to create beauty or chaos?
1. God as the First & Best Communicator
Scriptural Foundations
The Bible begins with God speaking creation into existence: “And God said, ‘Let there be light’” (Genesis 1:3). His words brought order, life, and purpose to the universe. In John 1:1-3, we see Jesus, described as “The Word” (Logos), embodying the ultimate communication of God’s heart and will.
The term “Logos” carries profound meaning. In Greek philosophy, it represented the principle of order and reason governing the universe. In Jewish theology, it symbolized God’s active, creative, and revelatory presence. By calling Jesus “The Word,” Scripture emphasizes that God’s communication is personal, intentional, and life-giving.
God’s Intentionality
Every word from God carries purpose. Even during the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, God communicated through His creation (Romans 1) and His promises. Communication isn’t always verbal; sometimes it’s seen in actions, timing, or even silence. But it is always purposeful, always intentional, always calculated. When God communicates, there isn’t a misspoken word.
Imagine holding a pot or pan and striking it loudly with a hammer. What happens, other than the people in the room with you wondering why you’re causing such chaos? The sound reverberates, sending sound waves al throughout the room. There isn’t an area in the room where the waves from that action do not permeate. God’s communication and words reverberate through creation and our lives, shaping everything they touch. This demonstrates the power and intentionality of divine communication.
God is a God of communication. It is His nature. It is His character. Relational. Intentional. Purposeful. God is the essence and source of all masterful communication.
2. Imago Dei: Created for Connection
We were created to be like God. As disciples, we are to be actively seeking ways to act and think just like Jesus. Genesis 1:26-27 emphasizes that being made in God’s image includes the ability to communicate. This unique gift mirrors God’s own relational and purposeful nature. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Words are not just tools; they’re instruments of influence and connection. From the earliest days of humanity, our ability to speak, listen, and understand has set us apart from the rest of creation, reflecting the Creator’s design.
God’s image in us is seen not only in our capacity to create through communication but also in our ability to form meaningful relationships. Just as the Trinity exists in perfect communion, we are designed to live in connection with one another, using words to nurture and sustain those bonds. Just like God, we are created to be calculated, intentional, and meaningful with our communication. We are to be beings of blessing and encouragement and righteousness with our words and communications.
The Science of Connection
Modern neuroscience confirms that humans are wired for connection. Mirror neurons in the brain enable us to empathize with and understand others, fostering relationships through communication. These neurons fire when we see someone else experience something, allowing us to “mirror” their emotions and actions. This biological mechanism highlights how deeply God has woven relational capacity into our very being.
Research also shows that positive interactions and affirming words strengthen neural pathways, making it easier to maintain healthy relationships. Conversely, negative or harmful communication triggers stress responses, which can damage both mental and physical health. This scientific insight aligns with God’s intention for us to live in community and reflects the truth of Proverbs 18:21.
Science only ever proves God’s handiwork. We are created in His image, to do His work, in His name. Our communication should intentionally reflect that truth.
Consider how your words and actions can reflect God’s character. Are they intentional, creative, and constructive? What if you commit to using your communication to build connections that honor God and uplift others? How more impactful might your relationships and witness be?
3. The Sacred Power of Words
Scriptural Foundations
Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” Words hold the power to create or destroy, unite or divide.
Proverbs 18:21 reiterates, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This isn’t about a “name-it-claim-it” theology but a reflection of how God designed words to shape reality.
There is God-given, divine power in our communication. That’s the way God created us. When we use our words the way God intends us to, great blessings and growth come from it. When we choose not to be intentional about it, death and decay come. The Bible gives us clear, easy-to-understand guidelines about the language and topics that should be proceeding out of our mouths, but unfortunately so many ‘Christians’ choose to completely ignore that or justify it. The world and culture we live in reflect exactly what Proverbs 18:21 communicates to us.
Scientific Insights
Research shows that positive communication increases neural connections, enhancing emotional and mental health. In contrast, negative speech triggers stress responses, raising cortisol levels and impacting overall well-being.
Dr. Andrew Newberg’s work in Words Can Change Your Brain highlights how affirming language can physically reshape the brain, promoting growth and healing. Again, true science aligns with Scripture, affirming that words have profound power.
Reflect on the words you’ve spoken in the past week. Have they built others up or torn them down? Maybe you haven’t necessarily been negative with your words, but are you painting your world’s canvas intentionally? Are your words purposefully positive and encouraging? Commit to making changes that align your speech with God’s life-giving intent.
Recap of Key Points
God is the Ultimate Communicator: His words are purposeful and life-giving.
Imago Dei: We are created to connect and communicate in His image.
The Power of Words: Our speech can reflect God’s love and truth or cause harm.
Practical Challenge
Let me make it extremely practical for you here and challenge you to do a few things this week.
1. Identify one relationship where your communication can better reflect God’s character. What intentional words or actions can you use to bring life and connection this week? Towards your spouse? Your children? A coworker?
2. Choose not to use words or language that are abusive or offensive. Would you use that language in front of your pastor? Grandmother? To a judge? Don’t you think God is worthy of more respect than them? Be thoughtful about the language that comes out of your mouth.
3. Be intentional about the words you allow to fill your head, through the gateway of your ears. Pay attention to the lyrics of the songs you listen to. Be mindful of the messaging and communication that is coming through the movies, videos, and tv you watch. Walk away from the water cooler gossip sessions that you listen to.
Let us remember that communication is not just a skill but a divine calling. Through our words, we reflect the Creator. Our words and actions paint a picture of who we are and who God is. What masterpiece will you create with your communication this week?” Let’s use this gift to build, encourage, and glorify God in all we do.