Keys to a Stronger MarriageSample

# Communication Is Key Working through things with your spouse is a natural part of life. There are times when we will need to discuss something that was said or done or talk through a situation where we’re not seeing eye to eye. But when and how we do it makes all the difference! Timing is extremely important in good communication. Ecclesiastes 3:7 says there’s a time to speak and a time to be silent. There’s a time to talk about a problem and a time to leave it alone. I learned early on that one of the most spiritual things I could do is keep my mouth shut. This doesn’t mean you should never talk about an issue, but you should look for the right time to discuss the topic if you want to be well-received. I encourage you to form a habit of asking the Lord what you should do. The key to improvement is to learn to bring up an issue when God says...and leave an issue alone when He says to leave it alone. Similarly, in all of your communication with your spouse, I think it’s good to ask yourself, Am I doing this in love? What are my motives? Am I looking for resolution...or am I really just trying to “win”? The Bible says that love covers a multitude of sins (see 1 Peter 4:8). If our motives are right and our spouse can really tell our desire is to walk in love, it goes a long way! Even if you don’t do or say everything right, a loving attitude can make up the difference. I encourage you to ask the Lord to help you become a better communicator with your spouse. Ask for His guidance and direction to know not only when to speak, but how to speak in love. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can learn to communicate in a loving way that will strengthen every single part of your marriage. Pray: “God, please help give me the words I need to talk with my spouse. Help me understand their perspective, and give me the wisdom to communicate mine. Give me an ear to listen, and the patience and love to overcome any frustrations we might face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”