Communication is vital to the health of any relationship. It is how we reveal our inner-most self to someone else.
Do you desire to be better at sharing your thoughts and feelings with the one you love? Read the following articles and ask the Holy Spirit to help you become more effective in your communication.
Before You Say “I Do”
The engagement period preceding marriage is filled with busy preparations for marriage, one of which is confirming that God has indeed led you to spend the rest of your life with your intended partner. A key area in which you need to clearly communicate values and expectations is the area of finances.
Jesus taught that money management is an outward indicator of a person’s spiritual life and values. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). By examining your patterns of handling money, as well as those of your future mate, you can discover important lifestyle traits. (read more)
Letters to My Future Husband
by Samantha Krieger
Before I went off to college, finding a husband was always on my mind. I had shared that desire with a friend who was married and she suggested I start writing journal entries to him during the waiting process. It had helped her a lot. I was all over her advice because I loved to write and reflect anyway. I had five spiral bound journals I’d written in since middle school. Yellow legal pads were always laying around our house, so I got one out and wrote my first entry on Dec. 16, 2001.
At first it was strange writing to someone I’d never met. And ultimately, I didn’t know God’s will. Would I ever get to meet the “husband” I was writing to? Or would it be a waste of time? (read more)
Good Communication Begins with the Heart
by Kay Arthur
Jesus tells us that man speaks out of the abundance of his heart. In other words, it’s the wellspring of our heart that determines what flows from our mouths.
Is it sweet and fresh, refreshing and helpful? Or is it polluted and acidic, causing illness and damage? If I keep my heart with all diligence, then what comes out of my mouth will be the wisdom from above, rather than that which is earthly, naturally (unspiritual), and demonic (James 3:13-15). (read more)
Christian Communication–What Are the Keys?
These guidelines for communication relate to dating and marriage relationships as well as all others. The principles behind these guidelines are insights taken from the “one another” commands found in the Scriptures. Christian communication is a skill we must choose to learn by submitting to the Word of God and by applying it to our lives. (read article)
Topics for Conversation When a Man and a Woman Are Considering Marriage
by John Piper
When we’re dating, sometimes our conversations focus more on the happenings of the week or upcoming events than on topics that will help us determine our suitability for each other in the long run. If we’re considering marriage, we should intentionally initiate conversations on things that really matter–both in the long run of our relationship, and also in eternity. (read article)
Communication in Marriage
by Dr. Adrian Rogers
Experts say there are five levels of communication. (read article)
Learn to Communicate
by Geri Forsberg PhD
When we know and understand the process of communication, we can actively implement the principles, hone our skills, avoid the problems and become the effective communicators that we all desire to be. (read article)
The 5 Love Languages®
by Dr. Gary Chapman
Of the countless ways we can show love to one another, five key categories, or five love languages, proved to be universal and comprehensive—everyone has a love language, and we all identify primarily with one of the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. (read article)
The Five Languages of Apology
by Dr. Gary Chapman
Those of us who aren’t perfect need to know the anatomy of a complete and genuine apology if we want to sustain healthy, whole relationships—or restore broken ones. The authors analyze the five basic languages of apology: expressing regret, accepting responsibility, making restitution, genuinely repenting, and requesting forgiveness. (read more)
Effective Communication
Communication — simple yet complex, easy to do and easy to blunder. Learn how to be better at listening and at communicating your thoughts. (see article PDF)
