Christlike communications are expressions of affection and not anger, truth and not fabrication, compassion and not contention, respect and not ridicule, counsel and not criticism, correction and not condemnation. They are spoken with clarity and not with confusion. They may be tender or they may be tough, but they must always be tempered.
In this quote, L. Lionel Kendrick outlines the qualities of Christlike communications, emphasizing that such communications are rooted in positive emotions and values rather than negative ones. He contrasts anger with affection, fabrication with truth, and contention with compassion, suggesting that communication should foster understanding, respect, and kindness. Kendrick highlights that respect, counsel, and correction should replace negative actions like ridicule, criticism, and condemnation. The goal is to communicate in ways that promote harmony and growth rather than conflict or harm.
Kendrick further emphasizes that Christlike communication is marked by clarity, not confusion, ensuring that messages are clear, honest, and straightforward. The ability to communicate with tenderness or toughness, depending on the situation, is important, but these communications must always be tempered—meaning they should be measured and delivered with wisdom and understanding. This implies that even tough messages can be delivered in a way that promotes healing and constructive change, rather than creating harm or division.
The origin of this quote lies in Kendrick's religious teachings and his interpretation of how Christ exemplified perfect communication. As a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kendrick often spoke about how to live in a way that reflects the Christlike principles of love, humility, and grace. His words underscore the importance of following Christ's example in all areas of life, particularly when engaging in communication with others.
Ultimately, Kendrick’s message is a call to strive for more compassionate, clear, and respectful forms of communication. Christlike communications encourage us to transcend anger and negativity and instead focus on love, truth, and understanding. This approach fosters a more peaceful, empathetic way of engaging with others, allowing for greater personal and communal growth.
TPTuan Phat
This quote makes me reflect on how often sarcasm and ridicule have become normalized in everyday conversations—even among people who consider themselves kind or moral. Do you think we’ve grown too comfortable using humor as a cover for criticism? If Christlike communication is the goal, how do we change our habits when so much of our dialogue, especially online, thrives on conflict and snark?
HTHuynh Thuong
Is it possible that some people use ‘truth’ as a weapon, even if they claim to be acting with compassion? I’ve seen situations where someone says something harsh but insists it's just being 'real' or 'honest.' This quote makes me wonder: is truth without empathy still virtuous, or does it lose value when not paired with affection and respect? Where do you draw the line between honesty and harm?
DHhoang duy hung
The idea that communication should be ‘tempered’ really speaks to me. But does this mean we should always filter our words, even at the risk of not expressing our full emotions? Can being too careful come off as inauthentic or detached? I’m torn between wanting to be gentle in my words and needing to be emotionally honest. How can we walk that line without compromising either clarity or kindness?
HVThuy huong Vo
I find the contrast between correction and condemnation particularly powerful. It’s easy to confuse the two, especially when emotions are involved. But how do we ensure that our intention to help or guide doesn’t come across as judgment or superiority? Do you think tone plays a bigger role than content in how messages are received? I’d love to know strategies for communicating hard truths in a way that feels loving and uplifting.
NNngoc nguyen
This quote is incredibly idealistic and beautiful, but it makes me wonder—how realistic is it to maintain that level of Christlike communication in high-pressure or emotionally charged moments? What do you do when you're hurt or angry but still want to be kind and respectful? Is there a practical way to train ourselves to default to these virtues when our instincts might lean toward defensiveness or criticism instead?