How to Promote Peace in the Family

DO YOU think that the Bible can help to promote peace in the home? Please compare what the Bible says with what the following interviewees have found helpful.  Consider  which points might help you to avoid conflict, keep the peace, and reinforce lasting bonds. 

BIBLE PRINCIPLES THAT PROMOTE PEACE

DEVELOP A POSITIVE VIEW OF EACH OTHER.
"Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others." -Philippians 2:3, 4.

"We have found  that it is good to view your mate as being more important than yourself and others." -C.P., married 19 years.

LISTEN ATTENTIVELY WITH AN OPEN MIND.

"Continue reminding them . . .not to be quarrelsome, but to be reasonable , displaying all mildness toward all." -Titus 3:1, 2. 

"Much tension can be avoided if we don't respond to our mate in a contentious tone.  It is important to listen without prejudice and to respect his or her viewpoint even if we do not agree." -P.P., married 20 years. 

CULTIVATE PATIENCE AND MILDNESS.

"By patience a commander is won over, and a gentle ["mild,"] tongue can break a bone."  Proverbs 25:15.

"There will be conflicts, but the outcome depends on the spirit we show.  We really need to be patient.  When we are, we find that things get sorted out." -G.A., married 27 years.

NEVER STOOP TO VERBAL OR PHYSICAL ABUSE.

"Put them all away from you; wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth." -Colossians 3:8,

"I admire my husband's self-control.  He always keeps calm and never shouts at me or insults me." -B.D., married 20 years.  

Next time: How to Promote Peace in the Family - Conclusion of BIBLE PRINCIPLES THAT PROMOTE PEACE

From the Awake! magazine