MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2025
BIBLE READING: COLOSSIANS 4:6; PROVERBS 31:26; EPHESIANS 5:29-30; PROVERBS 12:18
“She openeth her mouth with Wisdom; and in her tongue is the Law of Kindness.” Proverbs 31:26(KJV)
It is an undisputable Truth that the life wire of every Relationship that exists is Communication. In fact, what blood is to the human body is what Communication is to every relationship. It runs through every area of relationships, including Marriage, because anytime there is a Communication breach, it damages many things and gives the enemy a loophole to strike (Eph. 5:29-30).
There is a clear distinction between the two major categories of Communication i.e., Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication. The term “Communication” could be defined as “the ability to transmit thoughts and perceptions between two people or parties.” While analyzing male and female differences, women have a tendency to communicate emotionally, i.e., based on how they feel, while men tend to communicate logically, i.e., based on thinking and reasoning since the latter operate more with cold hard facts.
It is worthy of note that we usually tend to interpret things based on how WE ARE rather than the way THEY ARE. This is a classic instance of the Law of Perception.
There are Three Basic Carriers of any Effective Communication which we must of necessity understand in order to foster Greater Love and Harmony with our spouses. Each of them is a vital determining factor behind either a breakthrough or breakdown in Communication:
1. The Actual Content: This speaks about those words which are articulated or spoken expressly in the hearing of others (Job 6:25). This constitutes 7% of every Effective Communication. Words have the ability to heal as well as kill or damage your spouse’s self esteem (Prov. 12:18). This is why it’s very important to refrain from speaking when you are angry since you may not communicate your thoughts well and may end up saying things you would eventually regret.
2. The Tone of the Voice: This refers to how you sound when you communicate, which is subject to various kinds of interpretation (Prov. 27:14). This constitutes 38% of every Effective Communication. The Holy Scriptures tell us that “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1).
3. Non-Verbal Signals: This refers to Communication without the use of words and includes gestures, body language, and subtle shifts in eye contact (Gen. 31:2). This constitutes 55% of Effective Communication, which is the lion share thus far. For example, a woman may obey her husband’s instructions while maintaining a deadpan countenance, something which is hard for the simple to easily decipher.
While correcting your spouse, you must learn to always apply the “Sandwich approach,” i.e., having one helping of correction sandwiched in-between two layers of commendation so your spouse won’t misconstrue your intention to get things right. Obviously, to bring down tension in Marriage to the barest minimum, there are things you must be ready to overlook in the Spirit of Tolerance but there are equally some sensitive things you need to nip in the bud by sitting down with your spouse to discuss or iron them out.
Wives, when you are relating with your husbands, please don’t hurt their egos because Authority is designed to be influenced rather than challenged. In the same manner, husbands, when dealing with your wives, please don’t hurt their feelings, for they are delicate and need to be handled with care (1Pet. 3:1-7). Wives, never forget that a man you can’t submit to is invariably a man you can never influence and / or have Favour with.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we honour and exalt You today for Who You are and for what You do. O Lord, please help us maintain healthy communication channels with our spouses that the enemy may find no room to operate in our households in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen.
