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When Marriages Go Sour ... Attitudes that Sweeten
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is due (and it is due even for small things others do for us),
there will be a remarkable response. Maybe expressing appre–
ciation won't solve all your marital problems, but it is a
positive first step to improve and heal wounded marital
relations and communications.
Jesus taught us the critical overall principle in
all
right
living: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is [the
purpose of] the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12),
Give Honor and Respect
It may seem difficult at times of heated differences of views
or opinions, but again, every human wants
to
be shown honor and
respect. Differences of opinion are not an excuse to drop respect.
What happens when husbands and wives fail to show
respect and honor to each other-or to any other person? An
automatic wall of suspicion is created. Others are more easily
hurt, more touchy, when we must point out their mistakes.
They are less receptive to even constructive correction. Many
disrespected, unappreciated persons start imagining wrongs
and insults when none are intended or exist.
God commands us in all of our human relationships,
"Honour
all
men" (I Pet. 2:17). Yes, even if a person does not
always express right character!
Why?
Because respect breeds respect! Disrespect inflames bad
feelings.
It
makes a good situation bad and a bad situation worse.
Remember, your mate
is
a person who willingly gave up
many personal options and freedoms
to
marry you. Have you
shown honor and respect
to
your mate for taking on the
challenge of marriage and family responsibilities? Or living
with all your imperfections? Treat your mate with dignity
and, chances are, he or she
will
want to rise to a higher level
of respect for you!
Be Forgiving
The attitude, "I'll never forgive you for that!" is the surest
way for wounds and hurts in marriage never to heal. An unmer–
ciful, unforgiving attitude leads
to
discouragement and depres–
sion. It inflames tension and strife. It hardens discord and hate.