Sermon in Family series. Communication in the Family.
“Conversation or Combat?”
I. The breakdown of communication.
A few years ago there was a television miniseries about
A. Communication is a major problem in many families.
B. Communication can be a vital asset for families.
C. Communication involves talking, listening and understanding.
D. Communication is hard work.
II. Ten Biblical guidelines for family communication. (see #2307)
A. Be a ready listener and don’t answer until the other has finished.
Prov 18:13; James 1:19
B. Be slow to speak. Think first. Speak as to be understood.
Prov 15:23,28; 21:23; 29:20; Jam 1:19
C. Speak the truth always but do it in love. Do not exaggerate.
Eph 4:15,25; Col 3:9
D. Do not use silence to frustrate the other person. 1 Sam 25:3
E. Do not become involved in quarrels. It is possible to disagree
without quarreling. Prov 17:14; 20:3; Rom 13:13; Eph 4:31
F. Do not respond in anger. Use a soft and kind response.
Prov 14:29; 15:1; 25:15; 29:11; Eph 4:26,31
G. When you are in the wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness.
H. Avoid nagging. Prov 10:19; 17:9; 20:5
I. Do not blame or criticize the other person.
J. Try to understand the other person’s opinion. Phil 2:1-4
III. Goal of communication is to discover what the other person is about.
A. There are at least 5 levels of communication.
B. Intimate communication leads to closeness in all other areas.
IV. Human communication parallels spiritual communication.
[Mostly new. Compare sermon of August 18, 1985.]