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A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.  Proverbs 15:1

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How would you rate your communication? Excellent/Poor/Could do better?

One thing we are not good at is passing on messages to each other.  Last night I forgot to tell my husband to pick up our daughter 15 minutes earlier than usual.  She wasn’t very happy and neither was he because he felt he’d been dropped in it.

We all get it wrong sometimes.  The issue is really about how we manage our communication when things don’t go the way we like or expect.  At those times it’s easy to say things we’ll later regret.

If we feel irritation or anger rising it’s much better to pause; take a deep breath and send up an arrow prayer for help.  Then find gentle words to speak kindly to our partner.

Prayer (as a couple)

Father God, thank you that you give us such practical wisdom in the Bible.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit who helps us to grow and change.  Please help us in those times when we struggle with our irritation to speak kindly to one another.  Amen.

Prayer (for others)

Father God, we pray for _____ and _____.  We ask that you will help them to communicate in new ways with one another, to be loving and gentle with their words through the power of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Final quote

Gentle words are the tree of life.  Proverbs 15:24