GOOD COMMUNICATION

The Dallas Morning News reported that the average couple married ten years or more spends only thirty-seven minutes a week in meaningful communication. A survey of counseling professionals concluded that poor communication is the number one reason couples split up. It's more than just the quantity of words needed between two people, but rather the quality of expression.

You may say, "But I'm just not that big on talking." Communication comes in many forms: an affirming touch, a kind gesture, a sweet text, some thoughtful planning, listening close, and yes - verbalizing your feelings. Guys, don't get nervous! The list goes on and on of opportunities to engage, develop, stretch, and grow. If you're not growing, your dying. It's a simple principle of life, but true nonetheless.

My wife was away on a trip and this was in the first year of our marriage. I wanted to do something special for her, so I went on a cleaning spree, which included washing all her clothes. It was all going fine until I took hold of her cashmere outfit. After washing it, I put it in the dryer, and then to my horror, out came a tiny little suit. When she came home, my cleaning and prep work communicated love and attention. But when she found her favorite relaxing clothes six sizes smaller, she communicated understanding, forgiveness, love, and beauty by throwing on her newfound cashmere bike shorts and halter top with a big hug, kiss, and laughter.

A marriage grows on the seeds of love & respect. Both must be communicated successfully. You and your spouse have a built-in protocol for access. Respect is a prerequisite for friendship. To assume access where a 'bridge' has not been built is both ignorant and disrespectful. Access is terminated. There are marriages that limp along, not realizing they've either lost or never found their 'bridge'.
Words are seeds. Paying attention is a seed. Kindness, patience, and consideration are all seeds. Good seeds produce GREAT results. On the other hand, things like accusations, criticism, pride, and disrespect produce a harvest you'd pay to have removed. In fact, divorce is often a pricy attempt at undoing unwanted harvests.

Sometimes a problem needs to be addressed. Harsh words only close a person's heart, therefore shutting down any possibility of a resolution. Remember this: a conversation can never rise above the level set in the first 3 minutes. So get some height by using honor, understanding and esteem in that first 3 minutes, or it's doomed.

To win at anything, you must define the goal. The goal in communication is AGREEMENT. Agreement is not sameness but harmony. Biblical agreement is the symphony of thought and action, both in spirit and reality. Jesus said in Matthew 18:19, “If two agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." The seed of agreement brings God on the scene. You've got the power.
 

Pray this:

Father God, I dedicate my words to you today. I will pay attention to your leading. Help me be an instrument of Your goodness today. Bring the right people into my life so that we can walk together, see good things happen, and be the fragrance of Jesus to the world. 
Amen 

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For more prayers and encouragement and bible study.