The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 19

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Congratulations to this week’s giveaway winner: JakeChristi Olsen

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Day 19 – To Be Gentle and Kind

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Today’s Scripture

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

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Today’s Marriage Vow – To Be Gentle and Kind

In the same way that a wild horse is trained and brought to submission by a wise and gentle master, we too must learn to bridle and tame our tongue.

Whether this one said this, or that one said that, at the end of the day it’s the gentle and quiet spirit that wins the most hearts.

So, what is the best way to answer someone who’s rude, angry, or impolite? With the softest words we can find. 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

It’s like this, if someone throws a ball against a hard wall, it’s going to bounce back to them. When it does they have the opportunity to throw that ball again and again. The moment they throw that ball at a soft surface, however, it absorbs the impact and the ball is no longer in play. 

The Bible is telling us here to absorb the impact of anger. Just to be clear: I’m not talking about physical abuse here, I’m taking about days when your husband gets under your skin, tries your patience, or says something that makes you want to lash out in anger.

It’s easy to be gentle and kind when it suits us, but true kindness gives on difficult days and extends to difficult people.

What might that look like, for you? A soft word, a smile, and a moment in prayer to soften your heart.

Excerpt from The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 19 (affiliate link)

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Today’s Challenge

Be intentional about the way you respond to your husband. Always choose to be gentle and kind regardless of how you might feel.

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Appreciate the Little Things

At the close of each day, jot down some appreciation, gratitude, or admiration. For example, you might want to record something that you appreciate about your husband: maybe there’s something you’re grateful for, or perhaps he went out of his way to do something special. Doing this exercise at the end of each day will help you to gain a deeper appreciation of the blessings at hand.

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Let’s Not Forget Prayer

The best plan of attack starts with a morning prayer. God helps us formulate a plan, and He helps us to achieve it.

David once wrote, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3, KJV)

David knew what it took to slay a giant. He knew that his wisdom and strength rested on the power of God, and he drew on it daily.

And so I want to remind you to bring your marriage to prayer. Bring your husband to prayer. Bring your home to prayer. And, if you have children bring them to prayer. Lay them down at the feet of our Savior each and every morning asking God to bless and protect them. You won’t find better protection for your marriage, than that which only God can provide!

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The Ultimate Marriage Vow, available at Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Surrender Your Marriage to God…

Too many couples give up. They part ways before they experience the joy of growing together God’s way.

I’ve been there. I’ve smelled the stench of death in my own marriage. We’ve been to rock bottom where all hope was seemingly lost. But that wasn’t the end—something incredible happened when we surrendered our marriage to God. Winter turned to Spring, Spring turned into Summer, and here we are decades later thanking God for His life-saving grace.

And so, I’m asking, will you give me 21 days? That’s all I’m asking you for—3 weeks, 10 minutes a day, and a gentle heart that’s willing to yield. Give me 21 days to show you what God can do for your marriage. 21 days to remind you that marriage is a gift worth fighting for. 21 days to love on and pray for your husband. 21 days to a life filled with love, joy, and peace. 21 days to a life-long commitment.

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