Let Jehovah Fortify Your Marriage

MAINTAIN MEANINGFUL COMMUNICATION

Gracious speech is without a doubt one of the keys to marital stability. How sad it would be if marriage mates spoke to each other with less respect than they do to total strangers or even to their pets!  When couples lash out with "malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech," they erode the spiritual defenses of their marriage.  (Ephesians 4:31) Instead of undermining their marriage with constant criticism or biting sarcasm, couples need to buttress their relationship with words that are kind, tender, and compassionate. -Ephesians 4:32.

The Bible says that there is "a time to be silent." (Ecclesiastes 3:7) This does not mean that we should retreat behind a wall of silence, which blocks necessary communication.  "Under such circumstances." says a wife in Germany,  "silence can hurt your partner."  However, she adds:  "Even though it is not always easy to keep calm under stress, it is not good just to let off steam.   Then you impulsively say or do something  that can hurt your marriage mate, and that only makes matters worse."  In the long run, a husband and wife do not solve their problems by screaming or refusing to talk to each other.  Instead, they fortify their marriage by choosing not to let disagreements become habitual or deteriorate into protracted arguments. 

Marriage bonds are strengthened when couples make time to share feelings and opinions. How we say something is as important as what we say.  Therefore, even in difficult situations,  endeavor to make what you say gracious, both in your tone of voice and in your choice of words.   Thus, you will make it easier for your mate to listen to you. (Read Colossians 4:6) A husband and wife can reinforce their marriage with good  communication by saying "only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial"  to their spouse. -Ephesians  4:29. 

Next time: Let Jehovah Fortify Your Marriage - RENDER THE MARRIAGE DUE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015