How to Strive to Have a Godly Marriae - Communication

Do you have good communication in your marriage? Have you ever been excited about something, and you go and tell someone else about it, trying to get them excited about it, but it's not working? When your spouse comes to you excited about something, even if you have zero interest in it, be excited! Get excited for them!!
Genesis 2:25 - And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (there was nothing hidden between them, they were open to one another)
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Malachi 3:16 - Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Ephesians 4:14-15 - That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 5:25-26 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
There was nothing Adam and Eve couldn't talk about. When your not in the mood to communicate with your spouse, remember the tower of Babel and what happened there, you don't want that happening to your marriage.
Everyone knows men and women communicate differently. Men communicate facts, where women communicate emotions. God made wives with the need to express their emotions, and when the husband doesn't listen to her or cuts her speech off, he cuts her off as a person.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Communication is very important in any relationship, but more so in your family and in your home. You have to communicate with your spouse and with your children, the more you do it, the happier and better off you'll all be. When you do communicate, pay attention; put down the cell phone, laptop or any other device bidding for your attention; look the other person in the eye, listen to what they are telling you, repeat what they say, ask questions; do not get up from that conversation until you completely understand what they are communicating to you. Train yourself to listen with BOTH ears.
Here are some keys to help you unlock communication
1. Discover -
Romans 15:2 - Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Get involved with what your spouse likes and enjoys, learn about it, show some interest in the things they enjoy doing. Even if it's just to be there with them, get interested enough in their interests to do so.
2. Eye Contact -
Keep your eyes on your spouse {tell yourself your going to listen}; if your eyes aren't on your spouse then she/he doesn't have your heart, I cannot express how important it is to keep your eyes on your wife/husband, and for your eyes to lock and focus on each other when communicating.
Isaiah 55:2-3 - Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
3. Touch -
Touch your spouse when you are talking with them. Get their eyes, touch them on the shoulder, had, etc.
4. Praise -
Look for opportunities to give praise, look for things to praise your spouse for. When you start praising you'll have more and more to praise and you'll have more joy, everyone will be happier.
5. Reverence - {to show deep respect or regard to someone}
Husbands, reverence your wives, wives, reverence your husbands. Parent's, reverence your children. Always say things to lift them up, even in jest, don't ever say anything to put your spouse or children down.
6. Plan -
Plan times to communicate. Have a date night so you and your spouse can be alone to communicate about your lives; this helps grow that relationship with your spouse, and draws you closer to each other; ask questions, and listen when you are answered.
7. Word Pictures -
Learn to draw emotions through word pictures when you are talking to your spouse.
II Samuel 12:1-7 - And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
Look for and find ways to compliment your spouse, the more you do it, the happier he/she will be, for words spoken can change someone from the inside out - they can make someone who's down or mad happy or joyful.

Don't run from communication.
Jesus is THE WORD {John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.} The God of this universe wants to talk to you, we only need to be still and listen. Listen to God, and your spouse, and give your spouse your eyes.
Jenn