Good Marriages Have Good Communication
All relationships require communication to survive and good communication to thrive and be successful. The first thing that Adam did with Eve was talk to her acknowledging their relationship: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:23).
Husbands and wives can understand one another if they will take the time to talk to one another. Peter wrote to husbands, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands are specifically exhorted to understand their wives. This means listening and learning about them. Husbands are to give honor to their wives recognizing the important role they play in the family. Wives also are to love their husbands and respect them as the head of the family (Titus 2:4, Ephesians 5:23, 1 Peter 3:1-2). Love and respect are the foundation for good communication.
When married couples love and respect each other, they will tell each other the truth. A relationship built on a lie will not last very long. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” This means that spouses do not keep secrets from one another. They are open, honest, and transparent. It also means that spouses must talk to one another about perceived problems in a constructive way. Putting off difficult discussions only exacerbates issues. Jordan Peterson said, “Conflict delayed is conflict multiplied.” Being truthful means that we deal with issues in an honest and straightforward way.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley