Ladylike Podcast | Episode 8: Healthy Communication as Newlyweds

About this sermon

Communication isn't just what you say — it's how, when, and why you say it. In Episode 8 of the Ladylike Podcast, Julie and Delaney continue their Newlywed Series with a deep dive into Ephesians 4, unpacking three practical principles for communicating well with your spouse: speak up, speak truth, and act instead of react. They get real about the silent treatment, saying "I'm fine" when you're not, using truth as a weapon, and what to do when an argument is getting heated. Julie also shares why filtering every hard conversation through 1 Corinthians 13 is a game changer — and Delaney introduces her and Landon's 30-minute rule that keeps things from escalating. Plus, they wrap up with a Nuts & Bolts conversation about navigating holidays, traditions, and gift-giving expectations as newlyweds — including the curtains story you didn't know you needed. Whether you're newly married or years in, this episode is full of honest, scripture-rooted wisdom you can put to work today. In this Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 00:39 Why Communication Is the Foundation of Marriage 01:14 Walking Through Ephesians 4 02:44 Principle 1: Speak Up — Don't Give the Silent Treatment 04:14 "Resentment Grows Where Communication Should Happen" 04:53 Your Husband Is Not a Mind Reader 05:19 Principle 2: Speak Truth — The Two Types of Dishonesty 06:32 Saying "I'm Fine" When You're Not 07:44 Taking Time to Figure Out What's Actually Wrong 08:37 Principle 3: Speak Truth Lovingly 09:09 When Truth Becomes a Weapon 09:38 Filtering Hard Conversations Through 1 Corinthians 13 11:02 If It's Not Fixable, Maybe Don't Say It 12:05 What Communicating With Patience Actually Looks Like 14:28 Love That Isn't Resentful — Don't Build Up Bitterness 15:01 True Forgiveness Means Letting It Go 16:30 Don't Keep Score 18:06 Principle 3: Keep Current — Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger 20:45 What to Do When You're Too Angry to Keep Talking 22:52 The Hangry Factor (Yes, Really) 24:01 Act, Don't React — The Hardest Principle 25:17 Bitterness, Wrath, Crock Pot Anger vs. Microwave Anger 27:29 The Danger of Slander — What You Say About Your Spouse to Others 30:32 Putting On Kindness, Tenderness & Forgiveness 32:59 Delaney's 30-Minute Rule for Heated Arguments 33:56 Reaction Is Immediate Relief. Responding Is Long-Term Health. 36:17 Neither of You Is Trying to Win — You're Trying to Understand 39:10 Nuts & Bolts: Navigating Holidays & Traditions as Newlyweds 40:06 The Santa Conversation You Need to Have Before Kids 42:46 Budgeting for the Holidays Together 44:14 The Curtains Story 47:15 Wrap Up Subscribe @ladyliketalk.com so you never miss an episode, and share this with a newlywed who needs it! Download the Maximum Life+ app today and get instant access to hundreds of hours of sermons, Bible studies, books, and exclusive content from Dr. Zach and Julie Terry — all in one place. Simply search "Maximum Life+" in the App Store or Google Play, download the app, and subscribe to unlock everything, including a free copy of A Commentary on the Minor Prophets. Join a growing community of believers who are going deeper in God's Word every day. AMPLIFY THE TRUTH by supporting Maximum Life - https://maximumlife.zachterry.org/tabs/give Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maximumlifewithzachterry