GOOD COMMUNICATION In Marriage
What is the definition of marriage?
We must consult the Bible to see marriage as God does. The initial insight we gain from Scripture about marriage is that it was established by God as a one-flesh bond connecting a man and a woman. He made males and females for one another and in His likeness (Genesis 1:27).
Love and respect are essential in another area of marriage communication. The loving husband will converse with his wife about her activities, her problems, her views on various matters. She needs this. A husband who takes the time to speak; both husband and wife will feel free to make their needs known, and they can be sources of comfort and help to each other in times of disappointment or stress. "Speak consolingly to the depressed souls," urges God's Word. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) There will be times when the husband is down-hearted and times when the wife is. They can "speak consolingly," building each other up. Romans 15:2.
Marriage partners manifesting love and respect will not see every disagreement as a challenge. They will work hard not to be "bitterly angry" with each other. (Colossians 3:19) Both should remember that "an answer, when mild, turns away rage." (Proverbs 15:1) Be careful not to belittle or condemn a mate who pours out heartfelt feelings. Instead, view such expressions as an opportunity to gain insight into the other's viewpoint. Together, try to work out differences and come to a harmonious conclusion.
Recall the occasion when Sarah recommended to her husband, Abraham, a solution to a certain problem and it did not coincide with his feelings. Yet, God told Abraham: "Listen to her voice." (Gene-sis 21:9-12) Abraham did, and he was blessed. Similarly, if a wife suggests something different from what her husband has in mind, he should at least listen. At the same time, a wife should not dominate the conversation but should listen to what her hus-band has to say. (Proverbs 25:24) For either the hus-band or the wife to insist on his or her own way all the time is unloving and disrespectful.
Good communication is also important in a couple's sexual relationship. Selfishness and a lack of self-control can seriously damage this most intimate relationship in marriage. Open communication, along with patience, is essential. When each unselfishly seeks the well-being of the other, sex is rarely a serious problem. In this as in other matters, "let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person." 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; 10:24.
What fine counsel God's Word offers! True, every marriage will have its ups and downs. But when spouses submit to Jehovah's thinking, as re-vealed in the Bible, and base their relationship on principled love and respect, they can be confident that their marriage will be lasting and happy. They thus will honor not only each other but also the Originator of marriage, Jehovah God.
Even though every marriage will have its ups and downs, But listening to God's Word help married couples to find happiness.
Writers