Sunday, 29th October
(Marriage 101)
THINK BEFORE YOU TALK II
Matthew 12:34
It will amaze you how just mere talk can throw an entire family or even nation into wars that have no end. One wrong word can claim so many lives and shed so much blood than your mind can fathom. It therefore becomes very critical that we know how to talk, and much more, to know how to think before talking. The reason is this; people only talk about what is in their hearts or minds. And a man will speak out of the abundance of his heart;
Here are few precautionary measures to help you think before talking:
1. Learn to be diplomatic in your speech: Learn diplomacy. Diplomacy is skills of dealing with other people without causing bad feeling and hostility. It is called tactfulness. When you are diplomatic, you will be able to maintain good relationship with others. Learn how to separate issues and don’t mix up things together.
2. Determine not to hurt anyone’s feelings by what you say. Ephesians 4:15. God expects us to always speak the truth in love.
3. Be slow to speak: Do not be in a hurry to express your feelings. James 1:19-20. Vow never to talk in anger. Every time you are angry, the things you say are often not in line with the will of God.
4. Never allow yourself or feelings of emotion override your intelligence: Don’t be too sensitive to things, sometimes you must speak from your intelligence and not your feelings. Always give your spouse the benefit of doubt.
5. Be conscious of your environment in your communication: The scribes were conscious of people around, you too must be conscious of the presence of your children. They must never hear you disagree or quarrel with yourselves. As much as lie within you go all the way to protect and preserve their innocence.
Action Points/Prayer
-Discuss the five points with your spouse and pray over them.
-If you are single, study it all over with a pen and a note book and then pray over them.
Nugget
Every time you are angry, the things you say are often not in line with the will of God.
For Further Reading and Meditation
MORNING
Job 34, Acts 5
EVENING
Deuteronomy 15