Keys to a Happy Family/Marriage - Accept Your Mate's Differences

 The Challenge:

Some newlyweds have mistakenly concluded that what the Bible calls being "one flesh" means that the couple must have one opinion or personality. (Matthew 19:5) However, they quickly discover that such thinking is idealistic. Once they are married, their differences often lead to arguments. Linda says: "One major difference between us is that Phil worries less than I do. Sometimes he is able to relax when I'm worried, so I end up feeling angry because it appears that he doesn't care as something as much as I do." 

The Solution:

Accept each other as you are, and respect what is different about your mate. To illustrate: Your eyes work differently than your ears; yet they cooperate so you can cross the road safely. Adrienne, who has been married for nearly three decades, says: "As long as our viewpoints don't violate God's Word, my husband and I allow each other to have differing opinions. After all, we are married, not cloned." 

Next time: Keys to a Happy Family/Marriage - Accept Your Mate's Differences - Conclusion

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