LEARNING a new language is a challenge and requires patience and understanding but is definitely worthwhile if contemplating travelling abroad.

One can get caught up in the interpretation of words and phrases causing some suffering from culture shock, restlessness and instability.

The language, social custom and national circumstances are all strange at first. In some areas various divisions occur and all speak a different language with different dialects and vocabulary.

This not unlike what is intimated in Hebrews in the Bible when as followers of Christ we are reminded that we always live in a culture shock feeling uncomfortable at times and ‘strangers’ upon earth strongly desiring a better country - heaven.

Jesus is truly the greatest linguist in the world as well as a good communicator. He speaks to every individual of every kind and condition in their ‘own tongue’ with his universal language of Love to comfort and sustain them.

At Pentecost Christ communicated by his Spirit sharing his life with all present and shares it with us now. People were amazed that everyone heard his message of compassion, peace and understanding in their own language.

A language available to all is laughter. This understood anywhere and is worldwide.

Jesus communicated with people by making them smile. He was and is a great communicator and definitely had a sense of humour.

Imagine a camel struggling through an eye of a needle or a person with a plank in their own eye worrying about a spec in someone else’s eye. Communication is at the root of all we do.

Communication is telling, passing on a message, being ready to listen and exchanging ideas and thoughts and other people’s life experiences.

Good communication necessary for edification and is character building. Lack of communication and losing touch with one another is a major area of breakdown of families.

The right sort of communication is vital so if you cannot say kind things sometimes better to remain silent. Modern technology enables one to have the whole world together with numerous languages at fingertips by pressing ‘enter’ button on a computer keyboard.

Electronic mail means that a complete new language has to be digested. Nevertheless, God is always “online” and “on time” at the end of any communication willing to listen and speak his universal language of love and comfort.

Therefore whatever you do or say at work or play use own language to communicate kindness and let all be done in the name of Jesus the awesome linguist.

June Pooley