THE POWER OF POSITIVE COMMUNICATION IN MARRIAGE BY JIMMY EVANS.

In modern warfare, one of the first things a military tries to do is cut the enemy’s lines of communication. That’s because communication is so central to strategy. Without the ability to communicate, a military force becomes weakened and confused; resulting in defeat. It’s true in marriage as well. Communication is central to a healthy, successful relationship – which is why the Enemy works hard to cut the communication lines within our marriages. 

God created men and women to have distinct differences, and one of those differences is in how we communicate. But simply put, men and women need to talk. You need to share feelings and enter each other’s worlds. Because of our differences, this is primarily something husbands can improve. 

To help, consider these five essentials for successful communication in marriage.

CARE: This is simple. You can’t communicate with a person who doesn’t care. If they aren’t interested in listening, then you might as well be talking to a brick wall. When your spouse talks to you, stop what you’re doing, turn to them, and listen. Offer feedback. Show them attentive body language. 

PRAISE: Negativity hurts our communication. Negative discussions are a part of marriage, but they need to be balanced – even earned – with words of praise. For every critical or negative word, a couple needs 10 positive words.

KINDNESS AND TRUTH: In Ephesians 4, Paul writes about the importance of speaking the truth in love. Those two things – truth and love – must balance each other. Mercy without truth is a cheerleader without a team. It’s meaningless. Truth without mercy is surgery without anesthesia. It’s just plain mean. Balance your honesty with kindness. 

FAITH: This is so important to communication. You have to have faith in God and in each other. In marriage, each spouse has the right to say whatever they want, but they must rely on God to be the enforcer. That’s faith. It means trusting God to bring about change rather than your own nagging or browbeating. 

SURRENDER: The best communication within marriage happens when both the husband and wife give themselves to God. Surrender your heart, your mind, and even you’re your mouth. Let Him give you the discipline to communicate well. 

Communication is a vital part of every healthy marriage. Do you and your spouse talk to each other? Does your marriage reflect these five standards of successful communication? 

BLESSINGS...

JIMMY EVANS.