1 Corinthians 13:5, "Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs." Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ."

Think

There was once a boy who had a bad temper. After yet another outburst, his father gave him a bucket of nails and told him to hammer one into the fence for every time he'd lost his temper. Once finished, the father told him to remove the nails. This, of course, left holes, marring the fence. The father then explained how our words and actions can damage people and leave scars. Why are we always quickest to hurt the most important people in our lives? If we considered that what we give is what we'll receive in our relationships, we would think twice before we opened our mouths to speak. We would consider how losing our temper affects our loved ones. The Bible doesn't mince words about how God wants us to treat one another - especially our relationship with our spouse. Picture the person who you vowed to honor before God for life, the person to whom you so willingly said, "I do." They are that fence. AND you are theirs! Allow the same love and forgiveness God has shown you to mend those holes, to fill them in with the God glue of grace. Modeling this in marriage will filter down to your children and leave a lasting legacy.

Act

Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Before you have conflict, choose a response that turns away wrath. It may not be reciprocated in the moment, but it reflects the overall character and nature of Christ and will prevent additional damage.

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and kindness in my life. I know my words and actions should be a reflection of Your character, but I fall short. Help me to guard my tongue and think about how my actions affect my spouse and those who are closest to me. Please heal the wounds my wrongs have caused. In Jesus' name, Amen!