Love Let's the Other Win
So often we find ourselves in arguments with our spouse about issues that don't really make much difference in the big picture - where to go for dinner, where to vacation, what color to paint the bedroom. Other decisions are more important - homeschooling vs. public schools, how to discipline your children, how many children you have...
When it comes to making decisions within the family, some men may try to use Ephesians 5:22-23 as the tool by which to get his way with everything. The problem with using Scripture to win an argument is forgetting that God's Word tells us to "Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ." (Ephesians 5:21) and "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4).
Jesus is the model in this attitude. He submitted His will to God's will. He was willing to lay down His Divinity for flesh, his life for torture and death. Each of us should be willing to sacrifice our desires for our mate.
When was the last time you said, "Let's do what you would like to this time."? Be careful not to have the attitude, "Whatever! I really don't care!" Instead, be deliberate to show your mate that you care more about him/her than you do about winning an argument. Just as importantly, don't sulk about not winning afterwards and don't keep track of how many times you've given in compared to your spouse. Love doesn't keep count.
Be willing. Be submissive. Be deliberate about it. Be joyful about it!
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