Learn To Duck

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Proverbs 19:11

WHEN PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN WAS shot by a would-be assassin in the spring of 1981, he somehow maintained his charm and sense of humor throughout, even though his life was in greater danger than he or anyone knew. When his frightened wife, Nancy, saw him for the first time in the hospital after the shooting, he joked, “Honey, I forgot to duck.”

Though your wife may not be firing bullets at you (we certainly hope not!), learning how to duck a real or perceived insult is a trait that will pour concrete into the foundation of your marriage. Let’s face it, we all make slips of the tongue at times and say things we later regret. When you’re the guilty party, don’t you long for some grace on the other end that is willing to overlook your offense?

You can develop compassion by gaining insight into your wife. If she has offended you with something, ask God to help you understand what your wife is going through. What has her day been like? Whom has she been with? Are there financial or relational pressures involved? Wives often carry the brunt of running the household, which may lead to stressful and snippy conversations at times.

Choose not to be easily offended. You might need to talk with your wife to work out any underlying issues, but endeavor to keep no record of wrongs and thus live out your calling to patiently love her.

BOTTOM LINE

Be the man. Give your wife some grace by overlooking some offenses that aren’t a big deal and don’t require a conversation.

Moment of Strength: 1 Corinthians 13