Let It Be - The One Year Love Talk Devotional for Couples
Let It Be
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.
1 Peter 2:23
On May 8, 1970, legendary rock band The Beatles released their twelfth and final studio album, Let It Be, recorded at Abbey Road in London. Apparently, the rehearsals and recording session for the album did not run smoothly. The acrimony between the band members was palpable. At one point, George Harrison walked out and quit the group after arguing with both Paul McCartney and John Lennon, only to be coaxed back some days later. The documentary recording the making of this last album became, in truth, a documentary about the breaking up of the band.
It’s all a bit ironic, if you consider the title of the album. Apparently, “Let it be” is the phrase McCartney’s mother, Mary, sometimes used to console Paul when there were tensions or problems. It’s a good phrase—especially in marriage—even if it isn’t uttered aloud. Consider this scenario:
“You really look tired,” he says to her, as they climb into the car to run a quick errand.
“What do you mean by that?” she snaps.
“Just what I said,” he counters. “I know you haven’t gotten much sleep, and it shows.”
“Well, I’m not tired,” she declares, “and I find your comment very insulting.”
Ever had one of these conversations? They’re a little like trying to swat mosquitoes. The insults are not very big, but the more annoyed you get with them, the more irritating they become, and the more difficult they are to squelch. Such exchanges are not uncommon in marriage. After all, when a man and a woman live under the same roof and spend enough time together, insults—intentional or not—are bound to occur on both sides.
Happy couples, however, have learned the principle practiced in this passage: When one partner feels that a comment could have been meant as a zinger, he or she makes a decision to overlook it and move on. They don’t retaliate when insulted. They don’t seek revenge. They let it be. Think of the excruciating time this saves and the hassles it avoids, and decide to overlook a fault today, practicing “let it be” marital philosophy.
All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding in.
—Havelock Ellis
The One Year Love Talk Devotional for Couples
By Dr. Les Parrott and Dr. Leslie Parrott
Tyndale
$7.99
