It Can Be Tough To Communicate Series

INTRODUCTION

• We are a sound bite generation.

• So when it comes to really communicating our feelings we are not very good.

I. COMMUNICATION BEGINS IN THE HEART

• Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

• Ephesians 4:29 (KJV), “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth...”

• Literally: corrupt communication = rank, foul, rotten, worthless.

• Rank words come from rotten hearts.

• Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight.”

• The most corrosive force in marriage is contempt.

• Ephesians 5:33, “Husbands love your wives…wives respect your husbands.”

• In communication ladies need to feel loved and men need to feel respected.

II. DON’T AVOID THE CONFLICT

• How you disagree is crucial to your marriage’s health.

• The number one predictor of divorce is the habitual avoidance of conflict.

• Ephesians 4:15, “...speak the truth in love...”

• Successful couples are those who know how to discuss their differences.

• Humble yourselves and work through it.

III. COMMUNICATION BUILDS COMPATIBILITY

• Approximately ten areas of "incompatibility" or disagreement they will never resolve.

• They learn how to manage the disagreements and live life "around" them.

• Men and women are not wired the same.

O Generally: Men communicate for solutions.

O Women for expression.

• Compatibility has more to do with having similar attitudes and values than same interests.

• Ephesians 4:29 NCV, “...do not say harmful things, but say what people need...”

1. Respect each other.

2. Show appreciation of one another.

3. Be realistic.

4. Recognize that the two of you are different.

5. Use humor.

CLOSE

• I Peter 3:9-10, “...refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.”

• Communicate it clearly.

• Communicate it encouragingly.

• Communicate it several ways.