Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tender hearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 1 Peter 3:8-10 NLT
Comment
Do you ever feel put down by what your partner says? Or maybe it’s the way they say something… a tone of voice or a look. It’s amazing how our nearest and dearest know which buttons to press. In the heat of the moment I find it easy to be drawn in to a war of words.
When – or if – you feel put down take a deep breath, shoot up an arrow prayer of help from God and then try returning the insult with a word of blessing. It has a remarkable effect.
Prayer (as a couple)
Father God please help us to be tender hearted and humble towards one another. Help especially us in those moments to respond with words of understanding and blessing when unkind things are spoken. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Father God please help … and … to be tender hearted and humble towards each other. Help them especially in the way they speak to and respond to one another – to learn to repay blessing for insult. Amen.
Final quote
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)
