Jenn and I came from a couples’ retreat last week. It was great for a couple of reasons. One, we were not teaching. It was great for us to just sit in and listen. Two, we heard from the best of the best in Victory (Joey & Marie Bonifacio, Steve & Deborah Murrell and Juray & Deah Mora).
In the next couple of blogs, I will be sharing what I learned from the retreat.
On the first day, Joey and Marie focused on the area of communication.
Their session was hilarious because they shared a lot about their personal experiences with regards to this topic. Seventy percent of marriage problems stem from communication or the lack of it.
“In our marriages, we can either build walls that would divide or walls that would surround our marriage and thereby protect it.” – Joey and Marie Bonifacio
Here are the 4 things that can build the W.A.L.L.
1. WORDS
Words are powerful. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that ‘life and death are in the power of the tongue.’ Our words can either bring life or it can bring death in a marriage.
Words that build – “I’m proud of you, I love you, I appreciate you…” can definitely bring life in a relationship.
On the other hand, words that tear down – “You’re just like your dad/mom, You’ll always be that way, You’re such a bum, You’re irresponsible…” can definitely sentence a marriage to death.
2. ACTION
While words are powerful, just as powerful are our actions. One can say “I love you” and yet what they communicate can be the exact opposite when they fail to prioritize the relationship. Time is a major indicative of love in action for it speaks of who takes first place in the calendar.
3. LISTENING
Listening is a major part of communication. It is possible to talk for 45 minutes and not communicate at all. In a world where people feel uncomfortable during times of silence, this is such a vital skill to keep honing.
4. LIFE
We can talk. We can spend time. We can shut our mouths to listen. But if there’s no life in a marriage relationship, it will fall apart soon enough.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 tells us to “Enjoy life with your spouse.” Have fun. Enjoy. Be silly.
At the pinnacle of every marriage relationship, for it to work, the LIFE (Jesus) has to be in the center. For without Him, we can do nothing.
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