BUILDING A FAMILY THAT HONORS GOD

Continue with TOOLS  FOR BUILDING A HAPPY MARRIAGE

What can you do when there are disagreements?  If tempers began to flare, you may do well to follow the advice of Proverbs 17:14:  "Before the quarrel has burst forth, take your leave."  Yes, you might suspend the discussion until later, when both you and your mate have cooled off.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7)  In any case, endeavor to be "swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath."  (James 1:19) Your goal should be  to remedy the situation, not to win the argument.  (Genesis 13:8, 9)  Choose words and a manner of speaking that will calm you and your mate.  (Proverbs 12;18; 15:1, 4; 29:11) Above all, do not remain in a provoked state, but seek help by communicating with God in humble prayer together. -Ephesians 4:26, 27; 6:18. 

A Bible proverb says:  "The heart of a  wise one causes his mouth to show insight and to his lips it adds persuasiveness."  (Proverbs 16:23)  Really, then, the key to successful communication is in the heart, not in the mouth. What is your attitude toward your mate?  The Bible encourages Christians to show "fellow feeling." (1 Peter 3:8)  Can you do this when your marriage partner experiences distressing anxiety?  If so, if will help you to know how to answer. -Isaiah 50:4. 

Honor and Respect.  Christian husbands are told to dwell with their wives "according to knowledge assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one."  (1 Peter 3:7) Honoring one's wife involves recognizing her value.  A husband who dwells with his wife "according to knowledge" has high regard for her feelings, strengths, intelligence, and dignity. He should also want to learn how Jehovah views  women and wants them to be treated. 

Next time: BUILDING A FAMILY THAT HONORS GOD/ Conclusion of TOOLS FOR BUILDING A HAPPY MARRIAGE

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life