Sunday at West Bradenton we considered how relationships naturally drift apart.  But God has designed marriage so couples can pull together especially in the area of finances.  It’s no surprise that finances are one of the most stressful aspects of marriage.  When two people from two different backgrounds with two different personalities come together conflict is almost guaranteed.

So how do we fight fair in marriage or any relationship for that matter?  Thankfully the Bible is not silent on the topic.  As a matter of fact, Scripture provides great insight in how to fight fair.

• Speak the Truth in Love.   Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25
• Hold my tongue and tame my anger.  A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
• Do not go to bed angry.  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27
• Forgive one another.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
• Deny myself and defer to my spouse.  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

Seek the Lord…  Lord, which of these Biblical principles of dealing with conflict are you talking to me about right now?  Please fill me with Your Spirit and empower me to obey Your Word!

This past weekend, we continued in our series, “Home Renovation:  Renewing God’s Hope for Your Marriage & Family,” exploring what God’s Word has to say to wives in Ephesians 5:22-24, 33.  If you didn’t read last week’s post focused upon husbands, take a moment to check it out.

The big question this week was what is the one thing a woman must do to be a wonderful wife according to Ephesians 5…  Respect your husband well! 

No long listing of instructions… no complicated hoops to jump through… just one command.

So what mindset is required in order to follow this command?

A key phrase in Ephesians 5:22 is “as to the Lord.”  Ultimately a wife is not just following her husband.  As a Christ follower, a wife is obeying God’s command to follow her husband’s lead.  This is not about control or value.  As a matter of fact, any husband who might attempt to contort this passage to say such reveals how the Enemy has skewed his thinking.

There is a higher calling for a wife than following her husband’s lead…  when the two are in conflict, God’s Word always wins!

A Wife’s Prayer

Spirit of Jesus, I invite you to sit on the throne of my life and to take control of everything.  I confess to You that I have been trying to control my life on my own and I have not allowed you to be my King.  I am sorry and I confess it as sin.  Now Spirit of God, please take control of my life.  Live your life through me… love my husband supernaturally through me… Please empower me by Your Spirit to respect my husband and to follow His lead in a way that glorifies You!  Thank you for answering this prayer.  Amen!