Communication Builds a Bridge to Joy

Communication builds a bridge to happiness because it paves the way for resolving conflicts that every relationship experiences. Successful marriages are not conflict-free, but these couples have devised a system of communication that considers differences in personality, intelligence, and feelings without alienating one another. They have learned to honor their differences by acknowledging them as assets rather than liabilities. 

Providing unsolicited solutions for another person's problems, however, is usually a dead-end for communications. This approach provides an air of superiority that threatens the other’s self-esteem. At this level of communicating, the other person's ideas are not considered important.

Jesus was consistently aware of each individual’s needs. He often put aside his role as teacher, preacher, and healer to listen and address the concerns and needs of the people. Communication can build a bridge to enjoyment and fun as well as managing differences and conflicts. Effective communication transforms conflict into understanding and trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do good.”  

__________________ 

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

~Proverbs 18:20 The Message   

__________________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Beware of Evil, Prowling Lions

Opportunities that come our way can be to secure our betterment or to create a disaster. Some opportunities build bridges to prosperity, happiness and joy. Others build bridges to failure and suffering. After Joseph adjusted to life as a slave, his peace and comfort began to unravel when Potiphar’s wife began making sexual advances. 

Genesis 39:7 portrays her objective. “Come to bed with me.” Now listen to Joseph’s integrity. “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I commit such wicked sin?” These attempts at seduction became more provocative and an endless temptation. 

          Being acutely aware of what God considered sin played a major role in helping Joseph keep his distance. He refused to permit his capacity for godly judgment to be over-shadowed by evil opportunities. Allow Joseph’s witness to inspire you to remain faithful to God’s grace and mercy. Choose to live only by standards that bring glory and honor to God.  

________________________ 

Be careful – watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord, and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings, too.

~1 Peter 5:8-9 The Living Bible