Grace Chapel
Welcome to Grace Chapel! A relationship cannot exist without communication. The way we talk to each other, work through conflict, and share feelings and desires will determine whether a relationship is healthy or not. In this message, we unpack biblical counseling principles that help make communication work — biblically and relationally!
Ephesians 4:25-32 ESV
Four rules for biblical communication:
1. Be HONEST (v. 25)
2. Keep CURRENT (v. 26-27)
3. Attack the PROBLEM, not the person (vv. 29-30; Eph. 4:15)
4. Act, don't REACT! (vv. 31-32)
Long-lasting relationships can be built by those who learn to deal with problems biblically.
Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
Our words can:
· Bring life or bring death (Proverbs 18:19-21)
· Show our hearts true desires (Matthew 12:34-37; James 4:1-5)
· Reflect our identity in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Honesty is more than not lying.
Truth without love is brutality; love without truth is hypocrisy.
“It is said that speaking the truth without love is like doing surgery without anesthetic.” — John Broger
Problems cannot be solved unless they are expressed.
Examples of Dishonesty:
· Outright deceit
· Conflict between verbal and non-verbal communication
· “Beating around the bush” and using innuendoes
· Exaggerations
· Keeping secrets
When we fail to solve problems biblically, we give room for Satan to work.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” — Bernard Shaw
Six check-points before bringing up a problem:
1. Do I have the facts right? (Proverbs 18:13, 15, 17)
2. Is this a sin problem? How can love cover it? (1 Peter 4:8)
3. Is my timing right? (Proverbs 15:23)
4. Is my attitude right? Am I trying to help? (Ephesians 4:15)
5. Are my words living? Are my actions loving? (Ephesians 4:15)
6. Have I prayed for God’s help? (Proverbs 3:5)
God’s forgiveness for us motivates our forgiveness for others.
This week I will…
· Evaluate my speech to ensure that I am applying the four rules of communication to my most important relationships.
· Ask forgiveness for where I have not been honest in my speech.
· Pray for the opportunity to have an honest conversation with a hard relationship and apply the four rules of communication.
· Meditate on and Memorize Ephesians 4:32.