Building Bridges In Your Marriage
This series is a long awaited faith walk that I overcame and now God wants me to share what I prayed for as my then marriage was coming to an end back in 2018. I still prayed positive prayers over a failing marriage, and while I was praying for restoration God no was still His no.
I started to do a weekly prayer call for other marriages and was leading women back to the heart of their marriage with the leading of the Holy Spirit. As I begin to literally pour out into these women husbands were returning home, and marriages were being healed.
But I was still on the bench because I know that God wasn’t turning a new chapter in my book concerning my then marriage of 6 years I was so frustrated because I seen the move of God doing all that I’d prayed and cried for concerning my house and his no was still no. My advice to all women that’s desires to be married & that are determined not to allow your flesh to lead you into the wrong
Building Strong Communication Skills In You Marriage
Effective communication is the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling marriage. Strong communication skills allow couples to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and honestly, leading to deeper understanding, trust, and intimacy. Here are some strategies to help build strong communication skills in your marriage:
Here's 7 principles to build on
1. Practice Active Listening: Active listening involves fully focusing on your partner, asking clarifying questions, and paraphrasing to ensure you understand their perspective. This shows your partner that you value their input and are committed to resolving any issues.
2. Be Honest and Vulnerable: Cultivate an environment of openness and trust by being honest about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Share your vulnerabilities and encourage your partner to do the same, creating a safe space for meaningful dialogue.
3. Use “I” Statements: Instead of making accusatory “you” statements, use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs. This helps reduce defensiveness and promotes mutual understanding.
4. Manage Conflict Constructively: Conflicts are inevitable in any relationship, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Avoid criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, and instead, focus on resolving issues through calm, respectful discussion.
5. Schedule Regular Check-ins: Set aside dedicated time to have open-ended conversations about your relationship, goals, and any concerns you may have. This proactive approach helps maintain strong communication and address issues before they escalate.
6. Communicate in Multiple Ways: Effective communication goes beyond verbal exchanges. Incorporate nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, physical touch, and body language, to enhance the depth and nuance of your interactions.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you and your partner are struggling to communicate effectively, consider seeking the guidance of a licensed marriage and family therapist. They can provide tailored strategies to improve your communication and address any underlying issues.
Remember, building strong communication skills in your marriage is an ongoing process. By consistently practicing these strategies and remaining committed to open and honest dialogue, you can foster a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with your partner.
Here's what the Bible say's
The Bible places a strong emphasis on effective communication within the marriage relationship. As the foundation of the family, healthy communication is essential for a thriving marriage rooted in God’s design.
Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This speaks to the importance of speaking words that edify and encourage our spouse, rather than tearing them down.
Proverbs 15:1 further advises, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” By responding to our spouse with gentleness and grace, even in disagreements, we can diffuse conflict and foster understanding.
Moreover, Colossians 3:12-14 exhorts us to “put on…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other.” This speaks to the necessity of cultivating empathy, patience and forgiveness in our communication.
Ultimately, God’s plan for marriage involves a husband and wife striving to communicate in a manner that reflects Christ’s sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25). As we submit our speech to the Lord, He will empower us to engage in the kind of edifying, grace-filled dialogue that strengthens our union and glorifies Him.
Lean more into your faith
As people of faith, we are called to build bridges in our marriages – to connect with our spouses in deeper, more meaningful ways. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and maintaining that bond requires intentional effort and a willingness to see things from our partner’s perspective.
One of the core principles of our faith is love – unconditional, selfless love. This type of love is essential for building strong, resilient marriages. We must choose to love our spouse, even in the midst of conflict or disagreement. This means putting their needs before our own, exercising patience and understanding, and looking for ways to extend grace.
Effective communication is another key to bridging the gaps in our marriages. We need to create space for open, honest dialogue where both partners feel heard and valued. This may involve learning new listening skills, being vulnerable about our feelings, and finding constructive ways to work through problems.
Spiritual intimacy is also vital. Sharing our faith journeys, praying together, and supporting one another’s relationship with the Lord can deepen the bond between husband and wife. When we are united in our faith, we have a stronger foundation to weather any storms that may come.
Ultimately, building bridges in our marriages requires humility, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the covenant we’ve made. It’s not always easy, but with God’s help, we can navigate the ups and downs and emerge with an even stronger, more fulfilling union. Let us strive to be examples of Christ’s love to our spouses, modeling grace, forgiveness, and the power of reconciliation.
