Good communication equals great relationships

photo by lorri37

In my short time on earth (forty-three years) I am still learning to communicate better. I feel that I am a novice at communication sometimes. Then I feel like I am an expert at other times. I do know that I am on the journey to developing better communication skills to develop great relationships.

The bible provides great insight into how I can have great relationships. I don't want to merely cope or to only survive in relationships. I want to experience and to enhance relationships from good to great ones.

This week I get to teach at Four14. I sat in on a session a few weeks ago to check things out. I was impressed by the numbers of people who attended. I praise God for a growing community of believers in Christ who want to follow hard after Jesus and who desire deep, loving relationships.

So on Thursday, July 3, I get to share about how to develop great relationships by applying six principles of biblical communication. I hope the young adults who attend will capture and implement these principles and grow into great relationships for the rest of their lives. It'll take hard work, persistence, forgiveness, etc. But great relationships can grow from good relationships. I can't wait to share and to follow up on what God is going to do in their lives.

One of the things I'll share about is the truth that you can only pursue great relationships from your side of the equation alone. It is not wrong to desire a great relationship. This is a good and biblical desire, but you can only pursue it as a goal on your side of the relationship. Otherwise, your gola would include changing the other person. Changing people is only the perogative of God alone. Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people." You can try to manipulate others or coerce them but you will only become frustrated. You can only control your side of the relationship--as far as it depends on you.

I intend to post a couple of items regarding biblical communication in the month of July on my blog as a follow-up and may include them on the Four14 website or resource them for use at Four14.