Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. – Ephesians 4:15 NLT
Common practices in sign language conversations can help us create loving, growing relationships. When we integrate these practices with insight from Ephesians, we see how they foster unity within the diversity of the body of Christ.
These practices are especially helpful in moments of anxiety, confusion, or disagreement. Instead of allowing a negative turn in our communication, we can speak or sign the truth in love.
Make a visual connection
In sign language conversations, all eyes are on the person who is communicating. Others may
show their attention with a nod or gesture as they receive what the signer is sharing. Looking away from a signer is like muting a person’s voice. But visual connection supports each person having their turn in the conversation.
Show emotional honesty
Facial expressions are important in sign language, like the tone of voice when speaking. Masking or faking emotion can lead to misunderstanding. Love doesn’t shy away from hard emotions or hold back joy. We can work to create spaces where everyone has the safety to be honest, with respect. As we do, we can more freely give and receive input and ideas to everyone’s benefit.
Ask questions to clarify
The English language includes more than 200,000 words. In comparison, most American Sign Language dictionaries contain a few thousand signs. So, sign language is often more concise than spoken language. Deaf groups place a high value on arriving at mutual understanding, which includes asking questions to get clarity or details if needed.
Communicating the truth in love matters beyond any one conversation. At stake is our unity in the body of Christ as we “do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This is a larger theme in Ephesians: The letter to the Ephesians tells the story of God’s cosmic work, beginning before the creation of the world, continuing in Christ’s work of redemption, and leading up to the present moment and beyond. It draws us into this work both as awestruck observers of the drama and as active participants in God’s work.
Thus Ephesians gives a new perspective, not only about God but also about ourselves. … We live differently, we worship differently, and we work differently because of what God has done and is doing in Christ.
Even as we take this perspective to heart, it can seem risky to communicate the truth in love. But there’s a greater risk when we don’t: the loss of unity that includes and values our diverse God-given gifts. So, be encouraged by this reminder of why good communication matters. “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” It’s worth the effort.
