Focus on the Family Commentary

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Jim Daly explains why for a relationship to be healthy, effective communication is an essential ingredient.

Bad things happen when couples lose focus in their marriage. Jim Daly shares a story that illustrates why to keep your marriage strong it’s important to keep the main thing the main thing.

The next time you’re tempted to think less of another person, remember this: You can’t appreciate who someone is in the present until you understand their past. Jim Daly explains.

How about a simple idea that will help you build a great relationship with your family. Laugh together. Jim Daly explains why families who laugh are healthier, happier, and more connected to each other.

Are human beings nothing but biological machines? Jim Daly explains why it’s no accident that we’re wired for connection and that relationship is good for our soul.

It’s hard to underestimate the value of a committed friendship. Jim Daly explains the life-giving impact of having friends who enrich your life and who walk with you through your struggles.

When you think about your family tree, do you imagine a large oak with strong branches. Jim Daly shares why if you didn’t inherit a good family tree, you can grow one.

All around us are people who could use a helping hand. Jim Daly shares why all it takes for you to change somebody’s life is for you to keep your eyes and heart open.

A willingness to change can often bring greater success than rigidly staying the course. Jim Daly shares how the invention of Play Doh proves that flexibility is key to success.

Do you need a radical change in your life? There’s a reason such moments are called “breakthroughs.” Jim Daly shares how to persevere through your challenges to find victory on the other side.

Are you a good listener? Jim Daly shares how to change the world, not through arguing, but through listening.

Do you have a secret? Jim Daly explains why it’s wise to confess your secrets before a storm comes and exposes the skeletons in your closet.

Do you believe in miracles? Jim Daly explains why success often hinges on something intangible that miraculously intervenes when the odds are stacked against you.

Change can be positive when it’s harnessed and channeled toward our ultimate good. Jim Daly explains why thoughtlessly redefining our culture is like taking a jackhammer to the foundation of our country.

When a loved one is hurting, we often zero in on the problem, so we can fix it. What we often don’t do is see their deeper need. Jim Daly shares a simple tip for adjusting our vision to see a person’s true needs.

Kobe Bryant was a champion on the court. And off. Jim Daly explains how Kobe’s fans can honor what he stood for, not by wearing his jersey, but by being loving parents who invest in their children.

Helen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Jim Daly explains why acknowledging emotional brokenness is an important first step to happiness in life.

Marriage can be tough. Because selflessness is hard. Jim Daly explains how married couples can develop a greater capacity to love and forgive each other.

Jim Daly explains how couples can achieve the marriage of their dreams by speaking each other’s love language and by looking for signs of love in everyday moments.

Our culture has pushed moral boundaries of every kind to their limits and, in some cases, have rejected them entirely. Jim Daly explains why and how our country must restore its moral compass.

Greatness inspires us to be great. Jim Daly explains why the next time you have a chance to be in the presence of something truly great, don’t rush. Take your time … and linger a while.

Guys usually think masculinity is found in achieving the big things of life. Jim Daly shares why masculinity is mostly found in the inner strength that enables a man to serve his wife and kids in small ways every day.

If you feel unhappy, it could be because you want to be great at something, but you’re not. Jim Daly explains why “average” can be truly great.

Sooner or later, every child is going to need their attitude tweaked. Jim Daly shares tips for approaching the problem in a way that can help turn your child’s sour attitude around.

Perspective is an important part of appreciating the true quality of your life. Jim Daly explains why who you are on the inside can make all the difference in how you view the world.

Our country is deeply divided. Jim Daly explains why our only hope for resolving our differences is to find a way to dialogue with one another with civility and respect.

Dad, you have a lot of influence in your daughter’s life. Jim Daly shares why your daughter’s beliefs about life are shaped by watching you in everyday situations.

Being a good mother can’t always be measured by how much you accomplish each day. Jim Daly encourages moms to believe that, beyond all of the checklists, they’re shaping their kids’ lives.

Social media is an unbridled force in American culture. Yet, one of the leading reasons college students seek counseling is loneliness. Jim Daly shares why digital connection can never replace face-to-face interaction.

There’s an old saying that you can’t understand someone unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Jim Daly shares why you’re living out your best self when you help someone in need, instead of judging them.

How would you like to raise your children in one of the best places in the country? You can. And the good news is, you don’t have to relocate to do it. Jim Daly shares why the best place to raise a family is right where you are.

Great marriages aren’t great because they never face obstacles. Jim Daly shares why great marriages are all about couples learning to work together as a team to turn obstacles into opportunities for their marriage to thrive.

For a happy marriage, learn a new language. Jim Daly shares why when you communicate love to your spouse in ways that they understand, it’ll open a whole new world of intimacy and connection in your relationship.

When life shakes you, what comes out? Anger and hurtful words? Or grace and patience? Jim Daly shares why what you cultivate on the inside is what will appear on the outside.

A lot of America’s division is fueled by the idea that disagreement is equal to disrespect – or even hate. Jim Daly explains why it’s not wise to minimize another person’s dignity when they believe differently than you.

If love is abundant in your life, reminders of Valentine’s Day can be wonderful. Not for the lonely. Jim Daly shares why it doesn’t take much to lift a lonely person’s spirit and easy ways to do it.

Racism will never end until parents take an active role in educating their children about how to treat others with respect. What can you do in your home? Jim Daly offers helpful suggestions.

Have you hit mid-life? If it feels like midlife is hitting you, Jim Daly offers simple tips for re-instilling your life with new dreams and a new sense of mission.

The older children get, the less parents will get away with mistakes. That’s why it’s good for moms and dads to focus on consistency. Jim Daly explains the importance of saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

Childhood obesity is skyrocketing and health-related problems along with it. The question is, what can parents do about it? Jim Daly offers suggestions that may surprise you.

How much money is enough? Jim Daly explains the difference between being rich and living a truly wealthy life.

It’s natural for parents to be protective of their kids. But Jim Daly shares why parents may be coddling their kids too much … and what to do about it.

Every couple gets married thinking they’re perfectly matched … until their differences appear. Jim Daly helps couples harness their differences to make their marriage stronger.

Some people believe forgiveness is weak. Jim Daly shares why forgiving someone who’s wronged you requires strength and humility but it’s also healing for your soul.

If you’re worried that your young son is too attached to mom, Jim Daly shares steps both mom and dad can take to help their son outgrow his clinginess.

Storms can erupt in your life when you least expect it. But there is a silver lining to your trouble. Jim Daly shares what that is.

The saying “behind every great man, there’s a great woman” is generally true. It certainly was for renowned author Stephen King. Jim Daly shares how his wife’s encouragement enabled Stephen King to succeed.