The Lost Art of Conversation
(A Reflection)
I have learned the beauty and benefit of conversation that most people misuse and worst is, it being neglected as an art in the discipline involving people and community. When this tool is totally neglected, gun fights happen in the streets of communication where people do not listen but reload for their next fire of defense. Because of this, a series of monologues and no conversation is happening at all.
When these things occurs it signifies that members of a team have not learned to think together. I also learned that both dialogue and skillful discussion are needed to complement each other, although when these two are treated separately both may seem different from each other.
Another one is the importance of listening, respecting, and suspending a judgement before even voicing it out. Respect is important because we are all created in the image of God, we are both loved by God, and if the person is a believer, Christ is in that person and most importantly remember the biblical mandate to love your neighbor as yourself.
As my application of this art of communication, I should always be guided by the fact that I am a recipient of God’s grace. Oh how much grace I received from God indeed, and if I cannot extend that same grace to people around me, I don’t think I understood God’s grace that much.
Alternatively if conversation is impossible at certain point and if it is beyond my control, I will leave it to God to set His perfect time and work it out. Part of communication is to keep quiet at times. In waiting a suspension of assumptions surfaced.
Conversation is never a monologue but a form of interactive, spontaneous communication between two or more people. A dialogue and helpful discussion are its two main elements, flavored with respect, love and trust.
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