Bible Text: Selected Scripture | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: God’s Design for Marriage

Recap of 7/21/13:

1.  “Communication is to love what bold is to life.  Have you ever thought about it in that way before?  It is impossible to have any kind of relationship unless there is communication.  That is true for you and your partner and for your relationship with God.” (H. Norman Wright)

2.  The three components of communication are:

-Talking (according to one researcher, made up of: 7% words, 38% tone of voice, and 55% non-verbal, posture, gestures, facial expressions, etc.)

-Listening  (James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13)

-Understanding, “Did you hear what I said?” is not an inquiry as to the state of your hearing!!

3.  Barriers to communication are: rejection, passivity, pride, and criticism.
4.  The Ten Principles of Communication:

-1. Don’t use words that wound (Proverbs 12:18; 15:4; James 3:8-10);

-2. Our words reflect our walk, we must keep growing in the Word (Proverbs 4:20-23; 15:28; 16:23);

-3. Use our ears before our mouth (Proverbs 18:13,15; James 1:19;

-4. Use our brain before our mouth, don’t shoot from the lip (Proverbs 12:18; 29:20);

-5. Think about what is appropriate to the situation (Proverbs 15:23; 25:11);

-6. Be a person of few words (Proverbs 10:19; 11:13; 17:27,28; 20:19);

-7. Guard other people’s reputations-don’t share something that will embarrass them (Proverb s 17:9);

-8. When you have an opening to be cutting…don’t (Proverbs 15:1);

-9. Don’t walk around with your heart on your sleeve (Proverbs 12:16; 19:11);

-10. Be honest, genuine, and loving in our words (Proverbs 28:23; Ephesians 4:15,25; Colossians 3:19)