Topic: How to Avoid Communication Breakdown (2)
Dear Reader,
Welcome to this exciting time in God’s presence. Last week, I started teaching on Understanding Communication as a foundation to be laid if you do not want your relationship to crumble. This week, I shall be looking at “Kinds of Communication.”
Communication can either be verbal or non-verbal. In verbal communication we are simply talking about passing across a piece of information using words while non-verbal involves the use of actions, facial expressions etc. The Bible says: Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3). Beyond what comes out of your mouth; your actions speak louder too.
Mastering the art of verbal communication is a major secret of success in family life. In verbal communication, it is wise to mention at this juncture that in a bid to air their minds, some people can say just anything and at anytime. This shows a lack of discretion. Weigh your words carefully before saying them because words are as fragile as raw eggs, once broken they cannot be gathered.
Some men call their wives and children all types of terrible names – particularly out of anger. Some women in turn are experts at nagging. But that is an abuse of your tongue. God did not create the tongue to speak evil words, rather it is an instrument of edification. The reason many people abuse their tongues is that its purpose is not known and when purpose is not known abuse is inevitable! The Bible says: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). Also, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth (Proverbs 6:2).
Today, there are homes which are badly damaged and in big trouble because the tongue is not being controlled. They are victims of corrupt communication. But Ephesians 4:29 places the responsibility on us. It says: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth… So, it is your duty to control what proceeds out of your mouth.
Also, in non-verbal communication, there is a way you express displeasure without uttering a word. There is an adage that says, “Action speaks louder than words.” Just by watching your spouse’s body language, you can tell when he/she is angry, sad, excited, etc. The longer you live together with someone, the more you are able to read his or her body language. That is non-verbal communication.
Remember, communication is not only vital for husbands and wives, but for all members of the family. Therefore, keep the communication lines open. Don’t allow the enemy to tamper with it.
If you desire effective communication in your home, the right place to begin from is a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. If you want to start this relationship right now, you can say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me.”
Congratulations, you are now born-again! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.