“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
Proverbs 25:24
This verse has always been a good reminder for me, so I couldn’t resist snapping this photo when Jerry was fixing the roof on our little garden hut the other day. We are actually enjoying our time together while most of our regular distractions are suspended, but it wouldn’t be difficult to get irritated with each other being cooped up day in and day out. Treating each other with love and respect requires intentionality and work – especially right now!
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
This passage gives us three commands that are pertinent to these days:
- Get rid of the bad attitude and actions!
- Be kind and compassionate!
- Forgive!
We need to set the tone in our house and family. This can be really hard when the walls are closing in and the distractions are few. Romans 12:9 says, “Love must be sincere, hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” We know that bitterness, rage, anger, etc are evil – so we must hate those attitudes in our own hearts and set out to get rid of them! Ephesians 4:17-32 is a passage that covers this extensively and a great one to read together as a family.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, crated to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24
Here are few tips for dealing with people (in your own home) who tempt you to return to to the old attitudes:
- Pause – refrain from responding immediately when someone irritates you
- Pray – silently ask God to make your attitude new and to help you to be kind
- Preach (to yourself) – remind yourself of God’s truth and the goal to set the tone for kindness and compassion in your home
Let’s continue to encourage and build up one another – especially our own people – so we can view this time at home together as a gift!