My guess is we’re not modeling good communication skills for our kids. We have to be intentional about teaching them. What are they? Listening, non-verbal body language, and clear, pleasant speech. The Bible helps us understand it better too. James tells us to “be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”1 He also says in good conduct we show our works.2 Then when we actually do speak, Ephesians tells us not to let any corrupt, filthy, foolish talk or crude joking come out of our mouths,3 but, instead let our speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt.4 If we all practice these Bible-based communication skills, our homes will be happier, our kids will be more pleasant, and our example of love for one another could help us share Christ to those around us.

1James 1:19, HCSB

2James 1:13

3Ephesians 4:29; 5:4

4Colossians 4:6

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Suggested Reading: James 1:19, James 3:13, Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:4Colossians 4:6