Read

Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Think

Have you ever had a big family fight on the way to church or another public function? Typically, it starts over something as trivial as a lost shoe or an alarm clock failure. Tempers flare, snide comments follow, and a full-blown war is in effect until that moment the tires hit the parking lot. You suddenly emerge from the car — the picture-perfect, happy, supportive family, smiling ear to ear.

You’re not that other kind of family! You would NEVER:

Press your wife’s buttons by saying….
Call your husband a…
Lose your temper and…

AND you’re ALWAYS:

Loving and selfless
Honest and encouraging
Calm and in control

If you suddenly feel like a giant hypocrite, it’s okay! We’re all guilty at times, and this sinfulness is exactly what Jesus died for. But, He also rose again in victory so that we could have a successful marriage and life! So, when conflict arises, you can thrive by extending God’s forgiveness, grace, and absolute, unbreakable love to others. He will give you the power to do it! That’s what makes marriages work: Be holy and love as Christ loves you!

Act

Today, spend a few moments reflecting on the last flare-up or big argument you had with your spouse or close loved one. How can you better bridge the gap between how you actually responded and how you’d like to respond when conflict arises?

Pray

Jesus, I am a self-centered sinner in need of Your love, forgiveness, and power to overcome my hypocrisy. Help me be more like You each day and set an example for others by extending the same grace that You’ve extended to me — especially to my spouse and close family members. Amen.