Feasting at The Table - The Importance of Communication in Relationships

Effective communication is vital in relationships, whether with family, friends, or in marriage. 

The Bible highlights the importance of clear, loving, and honest communication in many passages.

 

1. Communication is an expression of love and kindness. It is important for us to speak in ways that build others up. Words should be kind, encouraging, and considerate, which fosters positive and constructive relationships.

 

   •     Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

 

2. Honesty and truth are essential in communication

 

   •     Proverbs 12:17 – “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.”

Honesty is crucial in relationships. Deceit can harm trust and break down communication. 

Speaking the truth in love strengthens bonds and ensures integrity in any relationship.

 

3. Listening is as important as speaking

 

   •     James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Effective communication involves both speaking and listening. Listening attentively fosters understanding and empathy, making the relationship more harmonious.

 

4. Words can heal or hurt

 

   •     Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

This scripture underscores the profound impact of words. 

Words have the power to either uplift and heal or to hurt and destroy. In relationships, choosing words wisely can promote healing, reconciliation, and peace.

 

5. Communication should be patient and gentle

 

   •     Colossians 3:12-13 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Here, we are encouraged to have patience, a demeanor of gentleness, and forgiveness in communication. 

Even when disagreements arise, how we communicate (with humility and gentleness) can resolve conflicts peacefully.

 

6. Effective communication fosters unity

 

   •     1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Clear and harmonious communication promotes unity. 

In relationships, especially in the church and family, communicating with one mind and purpose helps prevent division and fosters greater connection.

 

7. God speaks to us, and we are to listen

 

   •     John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Communication is a two-way process—God speaks to us, and we listen. In our relationships with others, good communication means listening to the needs, concerns, and perspectives of others as well as sharing our own.

 

8. Words should reflect our inner character

 

   •     Matthew 12:34-35 – “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”

The words we speak reveal what is in our hearts. Effective communication reflects the inner state of the communicator, so cultivating a pure heart leads to wholesome communication.

 

9. Communication is key in resolving conflicts

 

   •     Matthew 18:15 – “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

Conflict resolution is part of communication in relationships. 

Addressing issues directly and privately fosters reconciliation, rather than allowing misunderstandings or bitterness to fester.

 

10. Pray for wisdom in communication

 

   •     James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Communication often requires wisdom, especially in sensitive situations. 

Praying for God’s guidance can help ensure that our words are appropriate, timely, and effective.

To wrap up, we understand that communication, when rooted in love, honesty, patience, and humility, is a key aspect of healthy, godly relationships. 

By embodying these values, relationships can grow stronger, more unified, and reflective of Christ’s love. 

aub - 20Nov24

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