Biblical Answer

Telling Your Partner: A Biblical Approach

As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are called to love our spouses as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). This means we must communicate our love and appreciation for them in a way that is meaningful and effective. The Bible teaches us that love should be expressed verbally, not just through actions (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). To communicate love in a way that is specific and personal to our partner, we must first understand their love language. This means recognizing how they receive and express love, whether it's through words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, or physical touch.

Preparing the Heart to Receive

Before speaking to our partner, we must prepare their heart to receive our words. This means being mindful of the timing and tone of our message. We should choose a moment when our partner is receptive and not distracted or stressed. We should also be aware of our own emotions and biases, recognizing that we often have a filter on that prevents us from hearing certain kinds of love language. By being aware of this filter, we can make an effort to communicate in a way that is more effective and loving. This may involve asking our partner how they receive love and affirming their feelings and needs.

Speaking the Right Words at the Right Time

When speaking to our partner, we should use words that are wise and timely. This means being honest and direct, but also being sensitive to our partner's feelings and needs. We should avoid criticizing or condemning our partner, and instead focus on expressing our love and appreciation for them. This may involve acknowledging our own mistakes and weaknesses, and demonstrating a commitment to change and grow together. By speaking the right words at the right time, we can build intimacy and strengthen our relationship, just as Jesus teaches us to do in the Bible. As we seek to communicate love and appreciation to our partner, we should remember that our words have the power to build up or tear down, and we should strive to use them in a way that is loving and constructive.