Some of the greatest joys in life are things people have said to us. Some of the worst things in life are things people have said to us. Some of the deepest regrets we have in life are things we’ve said.
“I will think before I speak, making sure my words are good, promoting harmony, edification and health to the listener.”
How you say it is just as important as what you say.
Communicate; Communication: To express oneself effectively. The exchange of ideas, messages, or information by speech, signals, or writing. (Websters)
Words are powerful!
A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
(Prov. 18:20 NKJ)
We create our environment with our words.
The healthy or unhealthy atmospheres of our homes are created by words. Some of the greatest joys in life are things people have said to us. Some of the worst things in life are things people have said to us. Some of the deepest regrets we have in life are things we’ve said.
It’s important to keep our relationship free from offenses and unforgiveness. We need to give our spouse a safe place to come.
What the Word Says:
For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
(1 Peter 3:10)My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
(James 1:19)Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
(Eph. 4:29)
Ten Communication Killers:
- Negative body language.
- Failing to fully listen.
- Withdrawing.
- Changing the subject
- Clamming up or pouting.
- Losing control.
- Making big things out of little things.
- Attempting to mind read or psychoanalyze.
- Seeking peace at any cost/caving in.
- Turning up the volume on the TV.
It’s important to take time to communicate your wishes, hopes and dreams as a couple.
Ways to set aside time:
- Annual vision retreat.
- Quarterly get together.
- Weekly consultations.
- Daily catch-ups.
Joe McGee Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Joe McGee, author, national conference speaker, father, and former school administrator, is the founder and director of Joe McGee Ministries, Inc. and Faith For Families Ministries.
Joe presents some of the most entertaining yet practical and insightful teaching on the family available today. Packing more into one sermon than anyone you've ever met, Joe's insights into relationships will open up scriptural secrets and common-sense applications which will powerfully change your marriage, your family and your life. He comes with years of experience and a humorous easy to listen to style that will help families become who God intended them to be.
A husband of more than 30 years and father of six children, Joe, along with his wife, Denise, has invested the past 20 years in family, marriage, and parenting issues.
Joe and his family currently make their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.