Marriage

Developing Effective Communication - continued...
This material appears courtesy of Covenant Keepers

Dates and Recreation
Can you remember back to when you first dated each other and the hours you spent together doing fun things? What was the fruit of that time together? Didn’t you naturally grow in your friendship and ultimately your romantic desire for each other? Why did this occur? Wasn’t it because during those times together you shared your common ideas, which built up a strong bond between you? Communication is always the fruit of dating and recreation time together.

The best biblical example of this truth is found in the Song of Solomon. As you read this story it is quite obvious that Solomon and his wife had a very open, intimate, and expressive communication with each other. The question is, how did they get this kind of relationship? The answer is found as you read the account; they did many things together. Solomon visited his wife while she was away in the mountains (Song of S. 2:8-9). They also went on trips together to Lebanon and other villages (4:8; 7:11). They would take walks together to smell the flowers (2:10-14). In this passage note how they talked while they were together. Solomon’s wife declared, "Let me see your countenance, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your countenance is lovely" (v 14). Enjoyable communication was the result of these special times together.

When is the last time you went off alone with your spouse for a drive together or a walk around your neighborhood for some exercise? If you want to develop your communication here is one way to do it. Why not set time aside for a date this week or a night away by yourselves? Try it and see how it improves your communication.

• Are You Willing?
  
• Give Up Your Excuses
  
• Acknowledge Your Failures
  
• Make Time
  
• Reduce Your Distractions
  
• Prayer Together
  
• Meaningful Content
  
• Be More Encouraging
  
• Make Christ Your Example

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What the Bible Says About Marriage
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