In the following article we will address the important issue of family communication and its Christian benefits in the world.
Family communication
Family communication is an extremely important issue for society, we often see entire families separated precisely because they did not know how to address the issue of communication; many times it becomes uphill, this is because a family made up of people with different characters must be very clear about how this term should be managed among them, considered the most important and primordial, the pillar, the base so that in the family can interact effectively.
Communication
We understand by communication that medium that allows us to express thoughts, feelings, emotions; through words, signs, gestures.
Communication allows us to speak, express, discuss, reason; For it to be effective, it must always be accompanied by each of its elements.
Comunication elements
To develop the theme of family communication, it is very important that we identify the elements that make up communication. Among them:
Issuer in family communication
The sender is considered the person who transmits the message, that is, the one who initiates the communication process.
Receptor
The person in charge of receiving the message is known as the receiver, since he receives what the sender transmits.
Dress
The code is known as the form of expression, it can be verbal that is accompanied by words or non-verbal that is composed of signs, gestures, writing, etc.
Canal
We understand by channel the form of transmission of the message, it can be the use of the word, gestures, signs, letters, messages, telephones, different social networks. Among others.
Context
Context is called the space where the communication process takes place, depending on it, we use different norms and rules in the communication process.
Message
The message is constituted by what the sender wishes to transmit to the receiver.
Each of these elements must be present in any communication process for it to be effective. The use of them in family communication is no exception. We tend to think that since there is trust in the family, our expressions should be natural and should flow. And yes, it is true, but always respecting the elements of the process, so that it can give us feedback.
language types
The human being has the tendency to communicate in most cases spontaneously and naturally, and this is fine. However, since communication is such an important process in human relations, forms must be respected in it according to the context in which we find ourselves.
Colloquial language in family communication
It is the one we use on a daily basis, we relate in a simple and pleasant way with our relatives, acquaintances and close friends.
Formal language in family communication
It is the language we use when we meet people with whom we do not trust and closeness, it is also used effectively in our jobs, social gatherings, conferences, exhibitions. Others.
Forms of communication within the family
Within the family communication we always find different forms of expression, as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, families are made up of people each with different characters, which gives them a personality and unique forms of expression.
We start with the impulsive, the one who always violently and aggressively has an answer for everything. Then there is the quiet one, the one who, in order to avoid confrontations, seeks to be on good terms with everyone, but because of his weak personality, he often does not earn the respect he deserves. On the other hand, there is the rational one, he seeks an intellectual response to everything, everything has a reason for being and very rarely makes his feelings known.
We also have the one who loves to manipulate situations, he also has a very weak personality, he tends to take situations to what he wants to feel approved. Finally, we find the balanced one, the one who looks for the middle ground in all situations in order to find favorable solutions for the whole family.
Christian family communication
Within family communication, seen from the Christian point of view, we find a wide range for reflection and enrichment.
The issue of communication is complex. We all want to communicate in our own way, and many times we forget to empathize with the other. For this reason, it is that sometimes the process becomes uphill and gives few positive contributions.
As Christians, we are faithful believers that our Lord instituted the family and has given the tools so that it remains united in the midst of difficulties.
The Word of the Lord teaches us in a precious way how the family must be subject, first to our Lord and creator and then to each other. This is a code of communication and love that allows the foundations of the family to be immovable.
Says the Word in the book of Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 1 – 4:
«1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with promise;
3 that it may go well with you, and that you may have a long life on earth.
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.”
We find here a beautiful form of family communication based on subjection, obedience and respect. There is a serious problem in believing that communication is based only on talking, listening and being listened to, and that is why many families fail. No, the communicative process is everything that can be done in love for our loved ones, giving them the value they deserve and thus avoiding putting them at risk.
The subjection, obedience and respect that the Lord demands of us is essential in all forms of family relationships and communication. It is not possible to form an effective family without these biblical principles, because the aforementioned communicative elements cannot be established if we cannot respect each other.
It is also necessary to lead a life of prayer. This way of communicating with God and the practice of the Word are beautiful pearls that allow us to shape and base the family.
If you want to know about the wonderful topic I invite you to follow the link What is the devotional life?
When you have teenagers it can be very difficult to talk about restraint. It is very difficult for youth to understand that it is necessary for them to be subject to their parents. However, when we walk with the Lord, He helps us carry burdens, and prayer is a wonderful key so that the hearts of our young people can be touched by the Holy Spirit and they can be shaped according to his eternal purposes. . At this point we invite you to pray for young people. To do this, we invite you to read the following link entitled Powerful prayer for young Christians
We believers have the blessing that our communication with God results in effective communication with our family.
Another important biblical principle in effective family communication is for children to be very well instructed in the Word, as Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6 says:
Instruct the child on his way,
And even when he is old, he will not depart from it.
A child, adolescent, young person instructed in the Word of the Lord, understands the importance of family communication. He well knows that under any circumstances he must go to the family to resolve conflicts. This allows you to lay a solid foundation in his interpersonal relationships.
The Christian family is an example that impacts society, because its foundation is based on the Word. This allows you to effectively manage your relationships in order to be better citizens.
Tools for effective communication
Regarding the effectiveness of communication, there are various tools to develop effective communication skills. Here we propose some of them.
Be patient in family communication
The Word teaches us that we should be slow to bother. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 14, verse 29 tells us:
He who is slow to anger is great in understanding;
But he who is impatient in spirit exalts foolishness.
Starting from the principle that we are all unique beings with different characters, it is necessary for us to develop patience in the family. We must also remember that this is a fruit of the Spirit.
If we learn to know each other, we will be able to know when we should speak and act, and when we should shut up and wait. Patience is said to be a sweet fruit, because waiting brings blessing.
Learn to listen
James 1:19
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger."
This listening tool is very important. Many times we want to be heard, but we do not listen to the other. For this reason, family communication often fails. We are so busy and busy that we do not stop to pay attention to what the other wants to tell us. It is essential in every human relationship, to be heard but also to listen, so we will give the other the importance and value that it has and we will make them feel and know it.
Recognize individual differences in family communication
In light of the Scriptures we can see that the Lord made each one of us different, says the Word in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 27:
“And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female he created them."
We observe that we are individual beings, each one has a way of thinking and being. For this reason we must learn to recognize the differences. Once the family has exercised this tool, they will be able to enter into a productive and adequate communication process.
Learn to forgive mistakes
James 5:16
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed…”
Many family conflicts are generated by the lack of forgiveness. Many times it gives rise to resentment, which results in lawsuits and disputes between the couple, parents, siblings.
The Word teaches us that we must know how to forgive and, if necessary, ask for forgiveness. We are not exempt from making mistakes, but we are wise when we are able to recognize and reconsider them, for our spiritual, emotional, mental health and that of our family.
contribute time
The time that belongs to the family cannot be negotiated with anything. Many families get lost in the process because they get caught up in the multiple occupations and worries. That breaks communication and makes you lose trust. Contributing time to the family is much more important than the material things that can be provided for them. In addition, it provides the appropriate spaces for communication processes to take place among its members.
How do we communicate according to the Word?
The Word of God knows how important communication is for humanity. Therefore, it guides us how we should develop our family communication. Below are the rules established by the Word of God.
take care of what is said
The Word teaches us in the book of Matthew chapter 12, verse 34, in its second part:
"…Because of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
Real care must be taken when speaking. Sometimes we hear people say: "If only I had stayed silent (o)" How much power do our words have! You have to learn to think before you speak. You should not be impulsive. Impulsivity hurts the other and it is very difficult to pick up what is released.
learn to be empathic
«The man rejoices with the answer of his mouth;
And the word in its time, how good it is!”Proverbs 15: 23
Be empathic with the other. How would you feel listening to what you express in anger? Exercising ourselves in knowing how to give a good word, respond as we would like them to do with us, is one of the ways to improve communication in the family. We have no excuses for not learning. The Word gives us tools to be able to do it every day and be examples of believing families.
Then I invite you to observe the following audiovisual content that presents an excellent reflection on communication in the family.
Learn to wait for the moment
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"Everything has its time, and everything that is loved under heaven has its hour."
It is not always the right time to talk or resolve conflicts. You have to learn to wait for time. It is possible that in some situation a space of discomfort has been created. Well, given this, the best thing is to let the waters subside, calm down and wait for the right moment to approach communication again, this being the best way to find solutions to what is being considered.
practice understanding
Proverbs 22: 17
"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my wisdom."
We may have a tendency not to understand what the other wants to convey or give a personal interpretation. We must learn to listen well and understand what you want to explain to us. This will make you feel that we are ready to address any situation, taking the veracity of the actions as a starting point.
Learning to rest in the Father
1 Peter 5:7
"Casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
When we learn to rest in the Father, we can be certain that our family is in his hands, the best hands.
Many families may find themselves lost in the communication process. That is why believers are called to impact the world with the example of our families. If we know how to lead them according to biblical principles, we can be certain that we will have families that will be successful, capable, through an adequate communicative process of resolving conflicts.
The family needs to know God. He is the only one who can strengthen the weak points in each of them. What we see today in societies is a consequence of the fact that God has been removed from them. That he is not given his rightful place. He instituted the family and is the only one worthy of being the center of them.
Many young people do not find the way. They do not find a way to communicate with their parents, or between siblings. The Christian family has the duty to guide them in a genuine search for the Father, in order to put all things in order within family communication.
Family communication must be effective, and through Christian communication we want to promote the benefits that they bring us. Separation between family members due to a communication problem is not possible. We want to make known that in the Lord there is rest and that when we believe that we can no longer be in the family nucleus, we can go to Him with full confidence that He cares for us.
Contributions of family communication
Effective communication is very important. It provides an atmosphere of comfort, respect, empathy, companionship, friendship. In addition, it strengthens the instilled values.
It allows not only to maintain pleasant relationships between them, but also in their environment. A family that knows how to communicate reflects peace and harmony in all the environments in which it operates.
Parents must instill in their children the tools and forms for good communication, this contributes to their emotional, mental, physical and spiritual development.
The family is the foundation of society, and it must be founded on solid foundations. As we have mentioned before, before the Lord gave us the necessary contributions so that we can be a mirror and reflection for the world.
Once the family learns to identify weaknesses, they can turn them into strengths, in order to develop a communication process optimally.
Phrases that improve family communication
- Thank you
- I love you
- I respect you
- I'm here for you
- You did it very well
- Forgiveness
- Sorry
- I understand you
- You can make it!
- You are important
- You are brilliant
- Together we will find a solution
- In God we can do everything
- let's pray for it
- Speak, I hear
- Let's seek direction in the Word
- I admit my mistake
- Let's find the right moment
- I'm your friend
Cultivating positive messages brings an environment of trust in communication. Added to that we have the Father who can do everything and who gives us his wisdom to learn and to teach, to correct mistakes and improve interpersonal relationships.
advice to the family
Understanding that we are living in difficult times, it is necessary to train the family in the need for effective communication.
We have everything in our favor to win this battle against the lack of communication that has left so many destroyed homes on the road.
Children need to hold on to good relationships with their parents. Parents must foster trust and the necessary environment for them to approach any situation without fear.
Couples must understand that they are one and that it is up to them and their example that their children learn to trust.
The problem is that many times we let ourselves be carried away by individualism. We believe that these are our situations and we must solve them alone, but the family is a complement to each other. The family represents a team and what affects one should affect all. Therefore, we must work together, provide solutions that allow us to develop the benefits for family communication.
The Christian family must begin to provide the benefits with which the Lord has endowed us. We must show the world that our King can make all things new. No matter how deteriorated the family nucleus may be due to lack of communication, we have known a good God who restores, and that families are not exempt from being visited by Him, and even more so when He was the one who constituted it.
It is time to rescue relationships, to break the myths regarding trust, it is time to believe that we can trust each other and more in ours.
It is time to give a family the place, care and value they deserve. The family cannot be replaced by anything, we must take care of it as the precious gift that the creator gave us. In the end, we are going to render an account for her before our Father, and what great joy it is that we can firmly say: I have given the best care I could to what you gave me, they say, a good family, which in addition to honoring you has been an example, as Christians for many who did not know you and they have come to you.
Let us love our family and do not miss the precious opportunity to guide and train them in the principles and values that the Lord established for us in his Word. These give us the guarantee of effective communication. Tell us about which tools you promote in your home to share and establish effective communication.