Today’s devotional covers the eight remarkable rules for good communication we referenced in yesterday’s devotional. Each of these principles build GREAT communication for ALL relationships. They are applicable to family, friends, business dealings, your love life, and especially ministering to those who have not received God’s gift of salvation. Apply the following rules from God’s Word to your communication and you WILL be amazed!
1. Attack the problem, not the person.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21
2. Work towards a solution and as you do, ask: “Have we solved the problem?”
“Can two walk together unless they agree?”
Amos 3:3
3. Be quick to listen.
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20
“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”
Proverbs 18:13
4. Think before you speak.
“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.”
Proverbs 15:28
“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”
Proverbs 29:11
5. Endeavor to keep a spirit of cooperation. This is not always easy because it requires humility. Endeavoring means sweating and working it out. Remember, the enemy is working against all of God’s institutions—marriage, family, church, and government.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalms 133:1
“Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1b-3
6. Do not respond to anger with anger. Sometimes anger is appropriate IF it is righteous anger; however, most anger is self-focused and self-preserving. And remember, anger that is not resolved turns into bitterness and transforms us into a generally angry person.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1
“Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:26-27
7. Put away all clamor; there is no need to scream and yell.
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
Ephesians 4:31
8. Be quick to apologize and quick to forgive. Right relationships are more important than religious rituals. We need to forgive others the way God has forgiven us. Look in the mirror and ask “Lord, what have You forgiven me for?”
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:23-24
“Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Colossians 3:12-13
God’s rules truly work. They make ALL relationships work better. He is so good to teach us what we need to know to live for His glory!
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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5 Responses
Thank you for the encouraging series. It is awesome.
Thank you so much for sharing your Devotionals. Truly food for the Soul and helps with everyday living. Keep on sharing God’s love and the Word. Blessings!
Amen…God is good!
Very practical and useful. Thanks.
Thanks to Brother Kenny!