…At Home?

S:
Titus 3:1-2
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
(NASB)

O:
In this passage we find Paul giving some instruction to the churches, through his protege and confidant Titus. It comes from late in the book to Titus, where Paul seems to be tidying up some details on everyday living and how to relate to people. It is in our human nature to not want to be subject and to want our own way, and to rebel against authority.

A:
Now, while we may not have higher authority within our marriages, the verse still carries one with being peaceable, gentle, and showing consideration. Then we all have to ask ourselves the question, ‘Why is it that we seem to lose all sense of peacefulness, or gentleness or consideration when we are within the confines of our own home, and probably even more so with our spouse?’ We would not think of yelling at our neighbour or co-worker the way we often yell at our spouses. We would never think of raising our voices to anyone outside our homes the way that we do when the doors are closed and locked, and the blinds are drawn. It too often seems like it is open season on our spouse just because they are around, and they “should know that I like the car parked a certain way”, or they should know that lining up the garbage cans like that is really inconvenient; or over the dirty laundry, the toilet paper roll, and the toothpaste. Too often our first response is to “go off” at full volume, rather than trying to calmly discuss a sensible solution to whatever difficulty has presented. Why is it so difficult to “show every consideration” for our spouse, not just some consideration, but every consideration; so often, the individual that we should have the most patience with is the one whom we rail at the fastest, the loudest and often for the least offense. In the grand scheme of things, this individual whom you vowed to love and protect till death is often the one who receives the harshest treatment. This verse is the warning fence against that type of action/reaction.

Be peaceable with your spouse, gentle with your spouse, showing every consideration. When both spouses are exhibiting this kind of effort, the marriage does become a source of protection, a source of comfort and place feel relaxed and loved.

P:
Lord, help us to remain friends with our spouse, regardless of the offense, gentle, peaceable, and considerate. Amen.