JUNE 1, 2008

Intro: Ephesians 4:29-    “2, 4, 6, 8, how do you

communicate?”

“There are no bad marriages, only poorly developed

relationships masquerading as  a marriage.”

I. Strong relationships are built around good

communication.   Prov. 15:23

1) Destroy communication and you destroy the relationship.

2) Poor communication often results from a lack of

accessibility.

Example of Jesus:  openness to all, relaxed mind,

remarkable listening ability, interest in others.

II. Some principles of good communication.

Ephesians 4:15

1)  Need a balance of honesty (truth) and concern (love).

2) Need to accept responsibility for your own thoughts,

feelings and words!   Matt. 5:37

3) Need to confirm what you are hearing.

4) Need to watch for unspoken communication

5) Caution about weapons that destroy effect commun.

a.  intimidation     b. emotional blackmail  

c. 2 wrongs= a right

6) Observe some tools that help communication.

a. “soft answer” tool- Prov.15:1,  26:15

  b. “spirit of forgiveness”- Prov. 16:6

    c. allow for a “delayed answer”- Matt.21:29

7)  Attempts at effective communication make you

vulnerable.    >to ridicule   >to misunderstanding