Our words frame our reality. The words we use are strong indicators of our personal emotional health, the health of our relationships, and whether or not we will go the distance with those relationships. By carefully watching our words, we can see relational differences as growth opportunities that bring us together instead of tearing us apart.

Colossians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” This same verse is paraphrased in The Message Bible like this: “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” In this episode of Therapy & Theology, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and licensed counselor Jim Cress discuss the framework needed for any healthy conversation.

After listening to this conversation, you will be equipped to …

• Discover the framework for healthy conversations by learning words to avoid and better scripts to use.
• Discern when to have important conversations without the other person shutting down or getting defensive.
• Make progress with points of contention in your relationship that you’ve previously felt stuck in knowing how to resolve.

Helpful Links: 

• Want more wisdom as you navigate hard relationship dynamics? Find practical next steps, powerful scriptures and timely guidance on how to set realistic, healthy boundaries in Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. In the pages of this book, Lysa's personal counselor, Jim Cress, also provides therapeutic insight surrounding the topic of boundaries, helping you confidently apply what you read. Order the Proverbs 31-exclusive version here.
• Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances.
• Has the Therapy & Theology podcast helped you personally gain a fresh, biblical perspective for what you’re facing? Tell us about it by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. When you review and rate the podcast, it helps us reach even more people with biblical Truth and therapeutic wisdom.
• Click here to download A Healthy Way to Have Hard Conversations.
• Click here to view the transcript for this episode.