Pastors Joel and Patricia Gregory
“N2MeUC”

Introduction:
At the core of every healthy relationship is the ability of two people to successfully communicate with one another. Communication can be difficult because each individual may have a different background, experiences, and sometimes even culture, which all affect communication. In addition, Psychology today says 93% of all communication is non-verbal, consisting of body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and tone rather than words. Only 7% is actually what you say. Communication is a skill that must be learned and practiced in order to have a successful relationship.

Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)
What do you think Solomon meant when he said the power of life and death is in the tongue?

Solomon understood that as people made in the image of God, we similarly have power in our tongues. We have power to create and power to destroy. We can encourage people and lift them up with our words or destroy them with our words.

In this message, we will consider principles that will enhance communication in relationships. We will study the importance of growing in knowledge of your counterpart, honoring and accepting gender differences, always speaking edifying words, listening to your counterpart, and learning to remain in Christ.

1. Know Your Counterpart. (1 Peter 3:7 NKJV)

In Greek, the words “understanding" or "know” typically refers to not just an intellectual knowledge but also an experiential knowledge. The husband and wife must know each other intimately so they can better communicate with one another

How is God calling you to intentionally grow in intimacy with your counterpart?

a. Sincerely get to know your counterpart.
Ephesians 5:33 (AMP)

b. Spend time with them.
Ephesians 5:31 (AMP)

c. Focus on the good qualities in each other.
Philippians 4:8 (MSG)

d. Praise each other often.
Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)