A Word from Bob: I’ve taken today’s blog post from The Annual Guide to Biblical Counseling Resources—which includes 100s of resources on scores of biblical counseling and Christian living topics. The entire 115-page resource document is available here. Also, in the full resource document, you will find scores of additional resources on marriage and family relationships. Today’s post focuses more broadly on general communication and relationship principles.
Communication and Relationships: Booklets
Can We Talk: The Art of Relationship Building, by Rob Green
Another conversation ends in frustration or even anger. You want to communicate well and to grow deeper in your relationships, but either you can’t seem to find the words, or always seem to come up with the wrong ones. How can you develop greater intimacy if you can’t seem to have a productive conversation? Far more than simply offering techniques for learning to communicate effectively, Rob Green offers wisdom for getting to the heart of your communication struggles in Can We Talk? By helping you see how your desires motivate your speech, he draws you back to the gospel of Jesus Christ for freedom from old patterns of relating and for a heart that moves toward others in love.
Communication and Conflict Resolution: A Biblical Perspective, by Stuart Scott
In this booklet, Stuart Scott powerfully outlines a heart-focused, biblical perspective on godly communication and loving conflict resolution.
Making Friends: Beyond Loneliness to Rich Relationships, by Dee Brestin
Making friends is one of the most basic aspects of life, so why does it often feel so difficult? You reach out to others, but they don’t reach back. You think you’ve found a friend, but then they let you down or move away. How do you forge genuine friendships that provide the encouragement and support you need? With understanding and grace, Dee Brestin unpacks the dynamics of godly friendships and how to develop them.
Help! I’m So Lonely, by Deborah Howard
Loneliness is a universal condition. If we live long enough, all of us will experience it at some point. Christians are certainly not exempt. However, we are not left to find our way in the fog. Instead, the Bible has a surprising number of passages dealing with loneliness. This mini-book directs you to the comfort that is found in God’s Word and the strength and hope that His grace provides.
Communication and Relationships: Books
War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles, by Paul Tripp
“Talk” seems so normal, so ordinary, so harmless. Yet there are few things we do that are more important. And underneath the normality of it all is a great struggle, a war of words that we fight every day. Who hasn’t been hurt by the words of another? Who hasn’t regretted something they said? Recognizing that words are powerful, Paul Tripp shows us how the gospel transforms the way we communicate. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Word, is the only hope for our words. In our war of words, He is the one who gives us the victory.
Relationships: A Mess Worth Making, by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp
Your best friend is suddenly cool and distant. Your spouse can’t stop complaining about your bad habits. Your son refuses to talk to you. What are you supposed to do? Plans A, B, and C might be to shut down, lash out, or get out. But consider Plan D: Recognize that God has the last word on those messy, conflict-ridden relationships. He can use them to make you into someone who can give and receive love with God and others. Tim Lane and Paul Tripp show you how God does it, and how it can happen for you.
Resisting Gossip: Winning the War of the Wagging Tongue, by Matt Mitchell
Gossip. It’s on Facebook, on the television, in the break room, and even in our churches. With gossip being so prevalent in our culture, it can be hard to resist listening to and sharing stories about other people’s business. But what does God say about gossip? And is it possible to follow his instructions? In Resisting Gossip, Pastor Matt Mitchell not only outlines the scriptural warnings against gossip, but also demonstrates how the truth of the gospel can deliver believers from this temptation.
Join the Conversation
What additional biblical counseling resources would you recommend for communication and relationships?
