Communication
James 1:19-20 (NIV) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Effective communication is the oil to the relationship engine. If couples learn to have healthy, empathic communication, they will be able to thrive in their marriage. The above scripture commands people to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Especially during a time of being engaged and planning your next steps, it's imperative that couples listen to each other first, before wanting to be listened to. Ever wonder why God gave us two ears and only one mouth?
Slow to speak means speaking with humility and patience, not with harmful words and non-stop talking. If one person constantly talks over the other, it keeps the other person from being able to hear. When people talk to you, do they feel that their viewpoints, ideas and opinions have value?
Lastly, we should be slow to become angry. Here are some passages that you can look up (Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; 17:28; 29:20). Losing your cool with each other won't be productive rather than it can be destructive.
So in many ways we need to learn to do the opposite for one another, especially as you're planning your wedding. Listen to one another from the heart. Be patient with one another, realizing that you're on the same team.
