Have you ever been talking to someone and after the conversation is over realized that they could have totally taken what you just said the wrong way? Or even had them respond to you in such a way that let you know they took what you said the wrong way?  This has happened to me a few times and I do not like it one bit.  I’ve come to learn that sometimes it’s not so much what you say to people, but how you say it.  This is where personalities come into play.  Some people have a very straightforward personality, others are more quiet and shy.  Whichever personality fits you, it is imperative that you be mindful of how you communicate.

Communication with others consists of more than just talking, it also requires listening.  Listening is important because it will show you the heart of the other person.  The bible declares that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.  When you are a good listener, you are able to pin point areas you know are important, just based on their conversation.  Sometimes it’s best to be quiet and listen.  Not everyone who talks to you in looking for feedback. Some just want a person who will be kind enough to lend an ear and hear what is on their heart.

Our communication style should fit our personality, yet still do so in a way that is loving and kind to others.  It is one thing to have a strong personality, but if you are too strong you will never be able to have a healthy relationship with others.  Reason being is because of your inability to set your ways to the side for just a moment for the sake of someone else.  We have to get to the point where we can express ourselves in a nonabrasive, yet affirming manner regardless of who we are talking to.  Remembering that whatever we do or say should always be in love.  Words can really hurt and tear someone down.  Sometimes the enemy will try to take your words and use them that very way, when you never intended it to be that way.  I’ve learned to pray prior to, after and sometimes during my conversations with others to cancel the assignment of the enemy to try mix up my words.  I also pray that God will speak through me, so that when I do open my mouth, I am not saying anything to hurt someone or cause them to take my words out of context.  I realize that miscommunication happens, but as with all things, we have to ask God to help us.  Communication is a way of life.  It is the key to any successful relationship, so we have to do our part to make sure we are communicating properly and effectively.  The next time you are in the middle of a conversation and you don’t like how things are going, stop and think for a moment.  Are you a good communicator? #iDeclare #AreYouAGoodCommunicator

Prayer:

Father God, Please help me to be a good communicator.  My desire is that you will use me and I know that in order to do so, I have to work on my communication skills.  I decree and declare that I will say what I mean and mean what I say. I will be lead by the Holy Spirit in my conversations, and I will not allow the enemy to contort my words to be taken the wrong way.  Thank you Jesus, for teaching me how to be an effective communicator.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reference:

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

Psalms 141:3 NLT “Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”