Think about how Jesus communicated with the woman at the well in John 4. He approached her with grace and asked thought-provoking questions, while patiently listening to her responses. Even though He knew her past, He spoke with kindness and offered her living water. He didn’t react out of judgment or frustration, but with love and understanding.
As parents, we are called to communicate in the same way. Setting family communication rules based on Jesus' example can help create a home filled with grace, respect, and understanding.
Let’s break down 5 family rules that will help you communicate with the same approach that He demonstrated:
Ephesians 4:29 urges us to “let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.”
Ephesians 4:15 says, “Speak the truth in love.”
Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent.”
Proverbs 12:18 teaches, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Before implementing these rules for your family communication, do a quick communication check-in with each other. We’ve put together this quick guided discussion to ensure you are on the same page about your communication process, questions to ask each other, and more before setting rules in place.
In a world filled with quick judgments and knee-jerk reactions, these steps help you break free from the cycle of miscommunication and conflict. They urge and remind you to slow down, listen intentionally, and respond appropriately. This then allows for the next step of communication which will then ensure that each exchange leaves you and others feeling understood, valued, and respected.
Just like Jesus, who communicated with grace, patience, and truth, you can create an environment where these traits become natural byproducts of every conversation. By practicing the five key steps — understanding is winning, the 5-second rule, speaking with full transparency, using silence as a tool, and taking extreme ownership — you'll set the foundation for more meaningful and effective communication.
So, are you ready to take the next step toward healthier communication in your home? Start by checking out our comprehensive guide on How to Create a Family Conflict Process. This resource will help you establish a framework that encourages resolution, empathy, and understanding within your family. Start laying the ground work now for resolution and understanding in your family today.