Etiquette of Communication

This lecture teaches “the etiquette of communication” as a social and spiritual virtue befitting the spiritual person, who blesses and does not curse, and preserves the dignity of others.
It emphasizes considering the time and feelings of those we address, especially in phone calls: we ask about their availability, and we end the conversation gently and without raising the voice.
It confirms not to wound feelings, not to interrupt or use words of insult, but the good speech that edifies.
It presents biblical and patristic examples: the gentleness of Christ with the Samaritan woman and the adulterous woman, the humility of Saint Anthony even in addressing the demons, and the sobriety of Michael the archangel: “May the Lord rebuke you.”
It urges honoring the elder and the fathers and the shepherds: “Do not rebuke an elder but exhort him as a father,” and the silence of the younger with the elders seeking benefit.
It shows how polite speech turns hearts: David and his respect for Saul, the wisdom of Abigail that extinguished David’s anger, and the humility of Jacob before Esau that dispelled his enmity.
It calls for a pure and chaste tongue, with no mockery and no belittling, far from pride and anger, while showing good suspicion (good opinion) and creating an atmosphere of trust.
It presents the gentle style of the Apostle Paul with the Athenians and with Philemon concerning Onesimus, and the teaching of the saints by example and the kindness of the command.
It establishes a rule: every person is the image of God; therefore we honor all, and we speak with humility and meekness, as servants and not as masters, for “the soft answer turns away wrath” and “the mouth that blesses does not curse.”

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