Here are three very important numbers: 55--38--7. Are they lucky numbers for the lottery? No! Are they retired jersey numbers for some basketball super heroes? No! Are they three amazing new channels from your local cable company? No! They are communication numbers. Communication experts tell us that 55 percent of communication is non-verbal (body language); 38 percent is tone of voice; and 7 percent is content. Often I find that I specialize in the content department—giving directions, solving problems, adding input, and tossing out facts. Not so with God.
When God communicated love it was not via e-mail, a fax, a card, or any of the other methods associated with “7 percent pure content.” It was with open arms (55%), a passionate voice (38%) and enough words (7%) to make his point. Is it any wonder he admonishes me to do the same. Take a look at how he tells me to love my wife:
“Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving (55 percent), not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words (7%) evoke for beauty. Everything he does (55%) and says (38%/7%) is designed to bring out the best in her, dressing her in dazzling white silk (55%), radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives ... No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds (55%) and pampers it (38%). That's how Christ treats us (55%/38%), the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother (55%) and cherishes (38%) his wife. No longer two, they become ‘one flesh’" (55%/38%/7%). (Ephesians 5:25-31 The Message)
I see these critical communication numbers throughout the New Testament. This morning I was reading 1 John. John’s message in one word is " love." As I think about his words, I see 55--38—7:My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living, truly living in God’s reality. (1 John 3:18-19 The Message)
God wants you and me to show real love—to our families, to fellow workers on the job, to the disgruntled cashier at the store, to our friends, and yes, even to our enemies! The 7% content “I love you” is great, but the message doesn’t really hit home until we add that other 93% with a wink, an enthusiastic “Good to see you,” a hug, a smile, a pat on the back, or by taking time over a cup of coffee!
Communicating love takes more than just words!
STAY FOCUSED TODAY: Think through your day. Map out a strategy to communicate love -- all 100 percent.