HOW TO COMMUNICATE

Part 3 of 3

3 John 1:12-14

This is the last in this three part series from the Book of Third John on how to build lasting relationships.

In the first message we looked at four ways Gaius did this. In the second message we looked at how Diotrephes was destroying relationships and causing conflicts. This didn’t happen all at once, but rather it developed in stages over a period of time. The first stage was RESISTANCE. He refused to submit to authority. The second stage was CRITICISM. He made unjust accusations toward others. The third stage was ISOLATION. He shut himself off from others. The final stage was CONTROL. This is where he went so far as to threaten people and force them to follow him.

Tonight we are going to learn how to communicate through a man named Demetrius.

It is very apparent to me that many people just don’t know how to communicate properly and as a result cause many misunderstandings and problems.

For instance a pastor of a country church was out visiting prospective members in a mountain community. He spotted a house that required at least a tw0-mile walk from the mail box on the main road. Out of breath from climbing the hill, he arrived at the front porch. He discovered a man rocking back and forth lazily.

"Howdy, friend, my name is Pastor Jones. What's yours?"

"Calloway's the name. What can I do for ye?" The pastor continued, "Well, I just came up here to talk to you about some things and ask you a few questions."

"Shoot!" replied the mountaineer.

"Well, the first thing I want to know, Mr. Calloway, is, have you made peace with God?"

"Peace with God?" questioned Calloway, "Me and God ain't never had no argument!"

"No, no, no, you don't understand, Mr. Calloway, are you a Christian?"

"Nah, I ain't no Christian, preacher; I just told you my name is Calloway. The Christians live four mountains up the road."

"Mr. Calloway, I'm having a hard time getting through to you. What I really want to know is this--are you lost?"

"Nah, I ain't lost, I've been living here in these parts all my life. I know these mountains like the back of my hand."

"Mr. Calloway, what I really want to know is, are you ready for the judgment day?"

"Judgment Day? When's it going to be?"

The young minister replied, "Well, Mr. Calloway, it could be today, or it could be tomorrow."

"Well, land sakes alive, preacher, don't tell my wife. She'll want to go both days!"

The art of communication can be used to hurt and help. It can be used to build up and destroy. Here in our text John gives us three ways communication can be used to mend a broken relationship. How do you speak to one another?