Today, Larry offers a way to improve our communication with those whom we’ve struggled to connect.
“Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29 NASB).
Is there someone in your life who is struggling or with whom you struggle? Perhaps an often-overlooked type of communication will help. How about a conversation with the intention to build them up? Words that lift one’s spirit and faith can help you and them rise above the struggles.
Building the person takes priority. The goal of building conversations isn’t to flatter, impress, or win. It’s to build. This higher goal affects what we say and don’t say. The Bible reveals our words come from our heart and a heart in the right place births the best conversations.
Building the person takes discernment. Proverbs 25:11 (NASB) says, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the proper time.”
A person’s true needs may not be obvious. Listening and tuning in with the person and God provides discernment to choose the right words at the right time (Proverbs 16:21).
Recently, an angry husband reluctantly came from another town with his wife for marriage counseling. Having been disrespected by his in-laws, he verbally attacked these relatives. His relationship with his wife hung by a thread. He knew God, but he wasn’t going to be disrespected.
I mentioned I saw in him a tender spirit and that he had legitimate anger. However, he needed to apologize for his unkind responses.
I didn’t expect to see him again. However, he not only came back, but he had also apologized for his behavior.
Conversations that build others up make a difference. If we can help you with this or other relationship challenges, please let us know. You are important to us and those we help through your support. Debbie and I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas.
A person’s true needs may not be obvious. Listening and tuning in with the person and God provides discernment to choose the right words at the right time. #Communication Click To Tweet
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Blessings,
Update
- Debbie’s new book, Little Strength Big God, provides timeless truths to help readers experience a Big God in their battles. She is available for speaking to your groups.
- Children from challenging circumstances are spiritually growing and becoming closer to their heavenly Father.
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Building others up is such a simple but often overlooked response. Thank you for this reminder today.
Ashley, I agree. We get caught up with our agenda and miss this simple but helpful aim. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
We always have the choice to be kind and forgiving. It may not be easy, but the decision is ours. Thank you for this encouraging message. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Katherine!
Beautiful and wise!
Taking this to heart!
Thank you!
Thank you, Lisa!
I pray to always have a kind and forgiving heart. If we all tried to do this better, then it would be an amazing world. Merry Christmas Debbie.
Yvonne, I just finished a fiction book that showed what that looked like when Christ took over a community. Yes, amazing!
Thank you, Larry, for your words of wisdom on communication. Thank you, Debbie, for sharing them with the readers.
And thank you, Yvonne, for reading! 🙂
We’ve grown so insensitive. Thanks for this needed message. God bless and merry Christmas!
Thank you, Nancy. Merry Christmas!
Thats such great wisdom. All too often we react rather than try and understand what is underlying the words or behavior.
Ann, I agree. It is easy to react first when we need to listen and consider our own words and what’s behind their words. Thank you.
So wonderfully spoken Larry. Pausing to reflect on your words today.
Visiting today from Joanne’s
Paula, thanks so much for joining us!
Thank you, Debbie and Larry, for your encouraging words in the area of communication. May you both have a peaceful and grace-filled Christmas.
Thank you, Lisa. I hope you have a special Christmas too.