Don’t Just Talk, Communicate! (3) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Don’t Just Talk, Communicate! (3)

Dear Reader,

Welcome to today’s edition of your usual column in Jesus’ name!  Without any doubt, I know that you have really taken time to decipher the truth of God’s Word regarding communication.

This week, I will yet be unveiling to you what I subtitled “Ways of Enhancing Communication!”

Communication is a two-way process that involves talking and listening. The better couple and children communicate; the closer they become. Communication can be enhanced better than you may envisage, by paying strict attention to the following:

Learning to Listen!

Listening is a crucial prerequisite for an effective communication. Since it involves talking and listening as seen in Proverbs 18:13. A wise man once said, “Good listeners are good lovers.”  Some women tend to talk too much that they don’t give room for their husband to say anything. Hence, such husbands keep hearing what the woman says without listening. Meanwhile, communication goes beyond hearing, to being attentive. This enables one to be able to make sound decisions and pass good judgment on various issues.

Truthfulness!

Ordinarily, truthfulness means constancy or sincerity in action or character.  Truthfulness is also an attribute of God.  God detests lies and exaggeration. Husbands, wives and children must be very truthful in their communication to one another. My husband often says, “When Christianity lacks character there is nothing more to it.”

Correct Timing!

Words, we know, can be likened to eggs.  They are fragile and delicate. God’s Word says: …A word spoken in due season, how good is it! (Proverbs 15:23). That is, you must know your spouse so well that you know when to say what and how to say it. Important issues should be wisely but thoroughly discussed. Even when you feel so overwhelmed by a matter, you can always compose yourself to wait for an appropriate time to speak.

Pleasing Each Other!

One of the essences of effective communication is to enhance intimacy, unity and love.  Remember, motive is the main focus here.  It is important for you to be willing to admit when you are wrong; don’t be too proud to say so. Before engaging in heartfelt discussions, especially when crucial issues are to be ironed out, you may need to ask yourself questions like:  What is my motive?  Will it destroy our intimacy or make my spouse lose respect for me? Why am I saying this? Will it make us a better couple? Finding sincere answers to these questions will go a long way in enhancing your communication skill, thereby presenting to both your spouse and you better way of pleasing each other.

It is a fact that the longer you live together with someone, the more you are able to read his or her body language. For example, a look from your husband can send a clear message to you, which no one else may understand.

In concluding this segment, let me say here that communication is not only vital for husbands and wives, but for all members of the family. Both verbal and non-verbal types of communication are required and should, therefore, be employed by members for a fruitful family relationship.

Keep the communication lines open; don’t allow the enemy to tamper with it. This can only be achieved by surrendering your life to Jesus. It starts by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. To do this, please say this prayer of faith with me: “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).