Communication

Communication

Sermon #1:

10 most important practical communication tips for a successful marriage to deepen intimacy, enhance listening, and make marriage happier.

Effective communication is essential for a successful marriage, and there are ten practical tips to enhance this vital aspect of your relationship.

First, prioritize active listening, which involves fully concentrating on your partner's words without interrupting.

Next, practice expressing your feelings openly and honestly, fostering an environment of trust and understanding.

Utilizing “I” statements can help convey your emotions without assigning blame.

Establish regular check-ins to discuss the state of your relationship and address any concerns.

Additionally, remember to show appreciation for your partner daily, reinforcing positive feelings.

Nonverbal communication, such as eye contact and body language, also plays a crucial role in conveying affection.

Setting aside dedicated time for meaningful conversations can deepen your connection.

Lastly, be patient and empathetic, recognizing that both partners may have different communication styles.

By implementing these strategies, couples can enhance intimacy and build a happier marriage together.

Sermon #2

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for ...

Meaning: Unwholesome talk is speech that is harmful, hurtful, or judgmental. It can include: Hateful words, Slander, Gossip, Sexually explicit language, Obscenity, Foolish talk, Coarse joking, Anger, Rage, and Malice.

... impart grace to the hearers. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that ... is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. No ...

The word rendered "corrupt," is a strong word, signifying "rotten"; used in Matthew 7:17-18, and elsewhere in the literal sense, here alone in the metaphorical. By the corrupt word, probably, here is meant especially the foul word, which is rotten in itself, and spreads rottenness in others.

The word corrupt denotes rotten communication which tears others down (insults, name-calling, sarcasm, making fun, cursing, slander, flattery, gossip). Edifying speech builds others and lifts them up (encouragement, kindness, the Word, compliments)

Berean Standard Bible Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build up the one in need and bring grace to those who listen.

New Living Translation
Don’t use foul or abusive language

Amplified Bible
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

How do you improve communication in your marriage?
1. Use your words to edify- Affirmation. Speak to the king, queen
2. ⁠Never blame. Don't use "you" but “I Statements
3. ⁠Use dignified speech - Be courteous: "Please, thank you, excuse me".
4. ⁠Exhibit humility- Be ready to apologize, and forgive.
5. Be prepared to discuss tough topics without getting angry or upset.

Ask these questions:

• What am I doing that I need to stop doing?

• What am I doing that I need to continue doing?

• What am I not doing, that I need to start doing?

• How can I do to show up as a better husband/ wife in this relationship?

• Not feeling heard? Allow your spouse to speak for 5 minutes, with no interruptions. Then ask, "What could I have done to make you feel better, or What can I do to make you feel better?

Other script:

We have a moral duty to exercise care in how we communicate:

Use words to edify

Ellen White statement

Ephesians 5:33

Love her; Love that woman as he has never been loved before

respect him - Build up that man as he has never been built up before

Never blame : no You statement but I statement

Use dignified speech : Please, thank you, excuse me, praise your spouse. Proverbs 31: 28.

Put aside anger, Collosians 3:8

Be slow to anger

Be prepared to discuss the tough topics without getting angry or upset

________________________________________________

How do you improve communication in your marriage?
1. Use your words to edify- Affirmation. Speak to the king, queen
2. ⁠Never blame. Don't use "you" but “I Statements
3. ⁠Use dignified speech - Be courteous: "Please, thank you, excuse me".
4. ⁠Exhibit humility- Be ready to apologize, and forgive.
5. Be prepared to discuss tough topics without getting angry or upset.

Ask these questions:

• What am I doing that I need to stop doing?

• What am I doing that I need to continue doing?

• What am I not doing, that I need to start doing?

• How can I do to show up as a better husband/ wife in this relationship?

• Not feeling heard? Allow your spouse to speak for 5 minutes, with no interruptions. Then ask, "What could I have done to make you feel better, or What can I do to make you feel better?

See pdf here