Ten Biblical guidelines for family communication:
A. Be a ready listener and do not 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 wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness. Jam 5:19
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