May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

“I…say only what the Father taught me.” ~Jesus. John 8:28

I am quite certain that it’s been our words more than our actions that have caused the most pain in our marriage. Jesus was educated by his Father in the skill of effective communication. He submitted Himself and committed Himself to the Father to learn what to say and how to say it. This month we are discussing communication in marriage.

We are learning that almost every marital fight can be avoided when we keep our mouths shut. Angry words can stir up more anger, and anger is incredibly unproductive. This doesn’t mean we don’t work through things that hurt and irritate us. But when we remove anger from the conversation, we work through issues so much effectively. Yes, Jesus was angry, and in Scripture we see that the Father was as well. But, as Dallas Willard so aptly said regarding anger, “God can handle it. You and I can’t.”

Father,

I am enrolling myself to be educated by you in the area of communication. I want to learn, like Jesus, to say only what the Father would have me say. I want my thoughts and my words to give you –and those I love – joy, not pain. So I place myself on the cross with you. “I am crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered himself up for me.” I crucify my flesh, my words, my anger, and I receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to walk in love as You have commanded me. I can’t do this without your help, so I will stay closely connected with you. Heal me today of the things that have caused me to react in knee-jerky ways. I receive your healing now in my mind, memories, and emotions. This is not difficult for you. And I forgive everyone who has ever wounded or offended me, as you have commanded and empowered me to do.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.