Communication is Key
ICS Daily Devotions

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Marriage is a union in which a man and a woman leave their parents to become “one flesh.” Establishing this union on the foundation of unconditional love is crucial because no one is perfect, and there will be weaknesses and shortfalls. Therefore, we must love our spouse unconditionally, ensuring our relationship is not based on conditions or friendship alone. Open and honest communication is essential on this journey.

Having the urge and ambience to make love is difficult when the relationship is filled with criticism, accusation, and condemnation. If a person has grown up in an environment where they suffered criticism, rejection and condemnation and did not feel loved, they might be especially sensitive towards similar criticism from the spouse; it is difficult to make love when you are hurt and emotionally unfulfilled. Therefore, we must ensure that our words are seasoned with salt and grant grace to the hearer. That’s part of good communication in a marriage.

Communicating love develops intimacy between husband and wife. Love is expressed to the other person through their love languages. It is vital for us to love through their predominant love language so that the person feels loved. Besides loving through their love languages, we should also affirm them through words of encouragement. When we express love through the love language of our spouse, they will feel loved, and it will be easier for the relationship to climax with Eros or sensual love.

How do we communicate effectively in a marriage, and what are some of the topics that can be discussed between the couple?

What are the difficulties that you are facing at work?
How are you doing emotionally?
How are you doing spiritually? What is God speaking or showing you?
Share your plan for the date night with them.
Share with them things that happened in the day that would interest them.
Men are aroused by sight, while women are aroused by emotional engagement. A woman needs to feel wooed, pursued and cherished emotionally. The wooing, pursuing, and cherishing can also come through words as well as action. There must be affection shown to her. By engaging her emotionally—listening to her and crafting out time for her, he will come across as someone who cares and loves his wife.

Ephesians 5:29 (NKJV) For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

Sermon Series: Before You Say I Do