Building Bridges, Not Walls: Intentional Communication for Relationships
How Our Words Can Foster Connection and Understanding
Ephesians 4:29 teaches the believer not to allow corrupting, polluting, rotting communication to come out of his mouth. If we read the verse in its context, this type of speech grieves the Holy Spirit. We put away corrupt communication, bitterness, anger, and wrath.
Our words are to build up, not tear down, insult, condemn, or hurt. Words should benefit the hearer. We are to be intentional in our speech to uplift and support others. Words have power. We choose how we use them. We desire to reflect the character of Jesus.
We can use our words to witness to others the wonderful work God has done in our lives—desire to inspire and comfort. We can bring people together in fellowship. Our words can bridge the gaps. Our words are our tools.
We have to guard our speech. We must avoid corrupt, damaging, and insulting words and replace them with words that build others up and meet their needs.
Our communication, when rooted in positivity, can inspire faith, lead others closer to Christ, shape relationships, and even lead someone to faith in Christ. It's a powerful tool for transformation.
Communication is not just important, it's crucial in our most intimate relationships of marriage, family, and friendships. It's the foundation on which these relationships are built and sustained.
Loving friendships
After family, nothing beats great friendships. Communication has more to do with friendships than we could ever imagine. Heated arguments damage relationships, yelling, insulting, name-calling, and sarcasm hurt and destroy unity.
Poor communication causes defensiveness and alienation. We must take responsibility for our words, be careful of our tone and body language, and not respond quickly without thinking.
Don't use judgmental, critical speech
Don't label or condemn. Remember that their actions may be wrong, but that doesn't mean they are bad people.
Do not attack their identity.
Don't compare
Quit the blame game
Throw away your file box full of old history you supposedly already forgave
No threats
Be careful with your body language
Explain what you are feeling
Be clear
These steps will help you overcome difficult times and move on to better family or friendship relationships.
Working together
Don't be the friend that only speaks when they want or need something.
Say thank you and be grateful for what people do.
Carry your side of the conversation.
Be kind
Actively listen
Tell the truth without exaggeration.
Don't be negative.
Considerations
Good communication costs time, stopping what you do and focusing on the other person.
Be careful with nonverbal communication, such as moans, sighs, other sounds, facial expressions, posture, and movement.
Look the other person in the eyes.
Repeat what they are saying, not what you are preparing to say.
Realize the power of your words. They can build up or tear down, stop or start a fight, and inspire us to do right or wrong.
Environments have much to do with good communication.
Excellent communication starts with great thoughts.
Your mouth speaks what your heart thinks, so think right.
You get more of what you affirm and praise.
Affirmation shifts attitudes, strengthens, and gives a model for others to follow.
