Committed To Christlike Communication

Sunday Service

Ephesians. 4:25-32

Of all of the struggles we face in our marriages, most stem from poor communication. Biblical principles, when adhered to, will lessen the struggles and improve our communication skills. While illustrating the put off/put on sanctification process for becoming more like Jesus Christ, Paul explained FOUR COMMITMENTS that, if obeyed, will help us learn to communicate in a more Christlike way.

1. NEVER LIE - ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH (v. 25)
Lying takes many form - exaggeration, misleading, omission, false flattery, or disguise. We are commanded to speak, and communication is the Christlike form of action. I we want to truly be known, we have to communicate with each other. God did so because He has communicated to us through His word. Moreover, we need to speak the truth and to do so in love.

2. NEVER GO TO BED MAD - ALWAYS MAKE THINGS RIGHT (vv. 26-27)
Although anger isn’t always sinful or wrong, anger that doesn’t match God’s righteous indignation is sinful. Sin against God should make us mad, but sin against us should not provoke us to anger (Matthew 6:34). Unrighteous anger may take the form of suppression or explosion and either form can be a hinderance to communication (Hebrews 12:15), but avoiding anger is easier than we like to admit (Proverbs 15:1).

3. NEVER TEAR EACH OTHER DOWN - ALWAYS BUILD EACH OTHER UP (vv. 29-30)
Unwholesome words only serve to tear down a relationship. Are your words helpful or encouraging? Are they necessary? Are your words gracious (Col 4:6)? Consider that each of us hold enormous power in our tongue - indeed, we hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21).

4. NEVER GET REVENGE - ALWAYS BE WILLING TO FORGIVE (vv. 31-32)
Vengeful responses hinder communication. Christlike responses such as kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness strengthen communication, and we should forgive our spouse the same way God forgives you. Those who are committed to living out verses 31 and 32 will experience the blessings of a relationship in which communication is good.

Thank God for the gracious gift of marriage. Express to Him the things you are most thankful for about your spouse. Ask Him to help you to be truly committed to obeying these four basic commands for communication so you can relate to your spouse in a more Christlike way.