Every day, that is if you watch TV or listen to the radio, there is a bombarding of messages communicating what takes place in this world.  No matter where you are, if you have a cell phone, tablet, or devices with computer connection you literally have access to what’s been captured by media, only on a more timely basis. What’s being communicated drags me down.  Glimpses of larger stories are spoken often distorting viewpoints presented to us every day.  Hearing a partially told story leads to an impasse of understanding. What are we  to do with massive amounts of partially told stories?  What about asking questions that open opportunities for dialogue?

The Apostle Paul addresses an important element of communication with this admonition, “Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, in humility think more of each other that you do of yourselves.  No one should think only of his own affairs, rather, learn to see things from another person’s point of view.” Philippians 2:3-4. Dialogue embracing desires to understand deepens our knowledge of others.  When is the last time you experienced someone who took interest in you and wanted to know more about you by asking questions with humble interest?

The media tends to emphasize discouraging events, relationships, and sensational happenings. Paul’s admonition calls us to be mindful of others. What would happen if news, radio or TV shows focused on humility with a pursuit of understanding others?  This does happen and when it does our hearts are touched.

The Apostle Paul understood the importance of meaningful dialogue.  Offering meaningful dialogue in relationship communicates “I care about you and who you are.”