Stepping Stones: Love With Actions and Truth…Not Just Words

Transformational Tip

Do you ever say one thing and your spouse hears a totally different message than you intended?

Faulty communication is a common cause of marital conflict. In fact, most married couples experience miscommunication a number of times throughout their marriage. One message is sent, but a different one is received.

One thing we need to remember is that the words we say don't necessarily determine what is heard. Our tone of voice, facial expression and overall body language usually speak louder than words. Timing is also important. Consider what kind of a day your spouse has had and pressures that might be having an impact.

Other communication keys include thinking before speaking, maintaining eye contact, listening before answering, and building up rather than pulling down.
One sure way to avoid miscommunication is to frequently say the three words "I love you" to your spouse.

There are also many non-verbal ways you can express your love. Plan a special dinner or trip, buy something you know he or she has been wanting, help with a project your spouse is working on. Husbands, let your wife have a day all for herself occasionally. All these acts are really ways of communicating your love.

Today remember that God communicates his love to us not only through his words, but through his actions. We need to intentionally do the same…to Him and to other special people in our life.

Click here to share your perspective on communicating love.

Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks You for loving me…unconditionally. Help me express love to my spouse and the special people around me through my body language and actions as well as my words. Help me with wisdom and self-control to love when situations are more stressful, not just in the good times. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who communicated with the ultimate action, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18