(All Scripture taken from English Standard Version, ESV)

Oh my! I can promise that if you step out to obey God, Satan will show up.

My husband and I are slated to speak on Communication. The recipients include folks working on their marriage. During this preparation time, we have experienced more squabbles than the past few years combined, just silly stuff.

After forty-seven years together, words are not required to begin the process. We look at each other, reading minds, “How can we teach God’s path for communication if we are not practicing it effectively?” These squabbles provide a red flag, pushing us towards God’s counsel. Slow down and hear the other person. Don’t simply dismiss their view because it fails to align with yours. Without a respectful pause, anger jumps in to seize control of both people. We become frustrated like selfish children as we kick sand, and throw tantrums.

Oh my, indeed! What does God say about arguments and attitudes? Only when our hearts are realigned do we approach the conflict.
Here are a few of our favorite passages used to move toward oneness with God:

James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

We find it impossible to rest in the peace of our Lord and Savior and dwell on our selfish desires. A path for forgiveness of words delivered with harsh tones is found. Forgiveness for words not chosen well. Forgiveness, once again, for our selfish desire to be set right.

Father, cleanse my heart so I can be all You want me to be. Soften my words so they may be presented as a gift to those around me. Guide me to own my part in the breakdown of communication. In Jesus name, Amen