Do you ever say one thing & your spouse hears a different message than you intended?

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Living Free Every Day

Today's Scripture

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Do you ever say one thing and your spouse hears a totally different message than you intended?

Faulty communication is a common cause of marital conflict. In fact, most married couples experience miscommunication at times. One message is sent, but a different one is received. This week we will look at some keys to successful communication.

One thing we need to remember is that the words we say don't necessarily determine what is heard. Our tone of voice, facial expression and overall body language usually speak louder than words. Timing is also important. Consider what kind of a day your spouse has had and pressures that might be having an impact. Other communication keys include thinking before speaking, maintaining eye contact, listening before answering and building up rather than pulling down.

Consider this…

One sure way to avoid miscommunication is to frequently say the three words "I love you" to your spouse. There are also many non-verbal ways you can express your love. Plan a special dinner or trip, buy something you know he or she has been wanting, help with a project your spouse is working on. Husbands, let your wife have a day all for herself occasionally. All these acts are really ways of communicating your love.

God communicates his love to us not only through his words, but through his actions. We need to do the same.

Prayer

Father, help me express love to my spouse through my body language and actions as well as my words. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…

Committed Couples: God's Plan for Marriage & the Family by Jimmy Ray Lee