Sensitive Talk

So as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12 NAS

I grew up in a home dominated by my dad. Along with my mom and the other six siblings, we lived in fear. Sensitivity was a word that wasn’t allowed, and neither was the word, love. So how do you think that flowed over into my marriage with Leah?

On my own, I remained trapped in that similar behavior of being hard as stone, but thanks to Jesus Christ, I was delivered from thinking I wasn’t allowed to show my heart. It was liberating because beneath the hardheartedness was a sensitive, hurting heart. We are created with a desire to love and be loved.

Make sure in your communications each of you are always sensitive to one another. Hard truths can be discussed, and tough issues confronted without a spirit of domination or intimidation oppressing the conversation. Being sensitive toward your beloved spouse isn’t weakness, it’s opening your heart to the one you love most. Fear and hurt can press us into trying to exert control over what we feel we can’t, so assess your part in the encounter to make sure you respond always in love.

True Talk:

Are there underlying issues from your past that drive your responses to be hard and insensitive today? Work with your spouse to identify past preconceptions in each other’s lives that might interfere with communicating with sensitivity.