We can communicate through body language without saying a word. A wink, the look in our eyes, the warmth of a hug or the coldness of a turned shoulder speaks volumes.
Each culture has its own set of non-verbal cues. Learning those cues is as important as learning to speak words. Living in Iran was no different. When someone asks us a question in our culture, we can answer with a simple yes with a flip of our heads upward. In Iran, if you were asked a question and did that you would be saying no. The exact opposite of what you were wanting to say. Wanting to say yes and saying no can lead to real misunderstanding.
In Iran, if you took your Bible and laid it on the floor when sharing the Gospel with a Muslim, they would be immediately turned off to anything further that you would say. You ask why? They believe that if you believe the Bible is God’s Word how could you disrespect it so, by placing it on the dirt! Good point. I know it is a book but how we respect God’s Word says something.
God wants us to use non-verbal communication too in prayer and worship. We are encouraged to raise or clap our hands.
“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:1-2
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2:8 NIV
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