A Call to Faithful Communication

In the beginning, God spoke, and it was. His Word brought light to darkness, order to chaos, and life to the formless void. From that moment forward, communication has been more than the exchange of words. It’s been a reflection of God Himself—creative, revealing, and transformative. For those of us made in His image, how we communicate carries a sacred weight, for it’s not just about what we say (our message) but also why we say it (our motive).

Too often, our world separates these two—motive and message. In advertising, the polished words on the billboard may offer an “authentic connection,” but the true motive lies in selling a product. In personal relationships, how often have we heard an apology that feels more about avoiding conflict than genuine remorse? When motive and message diverge, communication becomes hollow, if not harmful.

The Gospel, in contrast, reveals perfect alignment. Jesus Christ embodied the Word (John 1:14), living and speaking with a consistency that left no question about His motives. Every healing, every parable, and every confrontation reflected the same purpose: love for God and humanity. He spoke truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not to manipulate or gain power, but to redeem and restore.

As communicators—whether we’re speaking, writing, teaching, or simply listening—we’re called to model this faithfulness. Our message must be clear and true, but our motives must also be pure. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5: “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” Paul knew his message could not stand apart from his motive: to point others to Christ, not himself.

This alignment requires self-examination. Why do I say what I say? Am I striving for understanding, or am I trying to win an argument? Am I speaking to build someone up, or to assert my own importance? Faithful communication starts not with technique but with character. It asks us to live the truth we proclaim and to ensure our words are wrapped in grace.

In a world desperate for authenticity, the alignment of motive and message shines like a beacon. Let us steward our words well, creating harmony where there’s division, offering hope where there’s despair, and reflecting the God whose Word still brings light to darkness.