- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
The Word for Today
Keeping the lines open (2)
'LOVE...ALWAYS LOOKS FOR THE BEST.' 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4 & 7
The last couple to 'live happily ever after' may have been Snow White and Prince Charming! Chuck Swindoll writes: 'Even though you're committed to your mate there will still be times of tension, tears, struggle, disagreement and impatience...but the good news is...with Christ living in you, and the Bible to call on for counsel...no conflict is beyond resolution.'
Married couples face unique challenges that sometimes involve sorting through what doesn't work to find out what does. Here are three good marriage-building pointers:
1) Never resort to threats. The 'D' word (Divorce) can surface quickly, so don't use it. In fact, don't even think it! Threats just make your mate defensive and insecure. As a result they can't hear what we're saying and nothing gets resolved. Jesus said we'll 'have to give account...for every careless word' (Matthew 12:36 NIV). So before you 'sound off' consider the consequences. Take time-out to calm down and think rationally.
2) Drop the baggage from previous relationships. Paul says, 'Love...Always looks for the best...Never looks back' (1 Corinthians 13:4&7 TM). It's wrong to make your mate keep 'proving' themselves over and over. Leave the bodies buried. Don't assume that your old relationship problems are destined to keep repeating themselves. They won't if you're communicating and growing! 3) Keep your words soft and sweet, you may have to eat them. Any time you think something nice about your mate tell them. And when they reciprocate, accept what they're saying graciously. Remember, sharp words create more wounds than the best surgeon in the world can heal, but 'a gentle response defuses anger' (Proverbs 15:1 TM).
written by Bob Gass
Keeping the lines open (2)
'LOVE...ALWAYS LOOKS FOR THE BEST.' 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4 & 7
The last couple to 'live happily ever after' may have been Snow White and Prince Charming! Chuck Swindoll writes: 'Even though you're committed to your mate there will still be times of tension, tears, struggle, disagreement and impatience...but the good news is...with Christ living in you, and the Bible to call on for counsel...no conflict is beyond resolution.'
Married couples face unique challenges that sometimes involve sorting through what doesn't work to find out what does. Here are three good marriage-building pointers:
1) Never resort to threats. The 'D' word (Divorce) can surface quickly, so don't use it. In fact, don't even think it! Threats just make your mate defensive and insecure. As a result they can't hear what we're saying and nothing gets resolved. Jesus said we'll 'have to give account...for every careless word' (Matthew 12:36 NIV). So before you 'sound off' consider the consequences. Take time-out to calm down and think rationally.
2) Drop the baggage from previous relationships. Paul says, 'Love...Always looks for the best...Never looks back' (1 Corinthians 13:4&7 TM). It's wrong to make your mate keep 'proving' themselves over and over. Leave the bodies buried. Don't assume that your old relationship problems are destined to keep repeating themselves. They won't if you're communicating and growing! 3) Keep your words soft and sweet, you may have to eat them. Any time you think something nice about your mate tell them. And when they reciprocate, accept what they're saying graciously. Remember, sharp words create more wounds than the best surgeon in the world can heal, but 'a gentle response defuses anger' (Proverbs 15:1 TM).
written by Bob Gass
