Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Day 12~ Love let's the other win



Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:4 KJV

*If you were asked to name 3 areas where you and your spouse disagree, you'd likely be able to do it without thinking very hard.

*Unfortunately stubbornness comes as a standard feature on both husband and wife models. Defending your rights and opinions is a foundational part of your nature and make up. But it can cause frustration in both of you.

* Our priorities, morals, and obedience to God should be guarded with great effort. But to often we debate over piddling things.

* The opposite of stubbornness is willing. It is a attitude and spirit of cooperation that should permeate our conversation. It is like a palm tree by the ocean that endures the greatest winds because it knows how to gracefully bend. Our Example you ask? It is Jesus Christ.He had the right to be served~ But instead He served others. He had the right to live in peace and safety but willingly laid down His life for our sins. He loved, cooperated, and was willing to do His fathers will instead of His own.

Philippians 2:2-8

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind. [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

* Are you willing to be the one to say " I am willing to go your way?"...if you do then the argument can be over. It may cost some pride and discomfort, but you have made a loving, lasting investment in your marriage.

* Stop insisting your own way.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17 KJV)

Today's Dare

Demonstrate Love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first!

Questions

What issue did you choose? What did giving in cost you? How will this help you in the future.

3 comments:

GraceFromHim said...

I really think this Dare is VERY good! It is a difficult thing to be the one to call a truce. But it is so worth it. The Bible way works, it is all laid out for us ladies. We just need to obey it.....God is faithful, God is true, and He can create a beautiful marriage out of a shambled one if we are willing?

Dear Lord,
It really hit home for me...what you came to this earth to do, when YOU deserved so much more. But you were willing to humble yourself and serve others. Help us today, and throughout this week to humble ourselves and be the one to call a truce. We Love you and are so thankful you have brought this book for us, and have given us a PERFECT manual, The Bible to go by. You want to bless our marriages, I thank you for that!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Isabel said...

I did this. I gave up on something that I really, really want, to go his way!

As for yesterday's dare, I think I will do somethimg nice for him: I will not wake him up but let him ahve his long long goodnight's sleep which also means that I will have to take dog out! (He put the kids to sleep and he dropped off too. Usually I wake him up to be together, but he seemed too tired).

Peggy said...

I didn't do anything on this day. I was confused...thinking I should wait for an issue to happen to give in on "that" day and luckily, it didn't happen:) However, the days "dare" was in my mind for the next time an issue came along and I gave in.