TWO THINGS SENSIBLE PEOPLE DO
Proverbs19:11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. NLT
Recently, I was in discussion with a group of believers. We were talking about physical abuse in marriage and how some women have lost their lives to brute beasts called 'husbands'. Also, our discussion touched on several reasons why people stay in abusive marriages. The topmost reason in that discussion was wrong counsel from ministers who tell women facing such to stay and endure. Unfortunately, when it results in death, these preachers/ counselors will only shed crocodile tears and walk away leaving the children motherless. In that discussion, a brother said that it is possible that most victims ( women) of physical abuse did something to trigger it. While that may be true in some cases, there's no justification for physical battery for any reason. It is an "anathema" to do such in marriage.
Sensible men don't beat their wives for any reason. According to the opening text, there are two things that sensible people do:
(1) They control their temper
(2) They overlook wrongs.
We all have tendencies to get angry or may have gotten angry at one time or the other. Sometimes, anger is a reaction to unfulfilled expectation from others or from ourselves. The best way to curb or control our temper is never to expect much from people. Don't think you can't be offended. In fact expect offenses from those close to you even your spouse.
In marriage, spouses must be ready to accept the weaknesses of one another. If you are the type that don't take nonsense, marriage is not for you. Most of the "no nonsense" men end up beating their wives. The "Margaret Thatchers" often do not have stable marriages. In marriage, there's no guarantee that you won't offend each other. Knowing that such is a possibility will help you to live perpetually in the realm of self control and post-dated forgiveness. Until you are ready to tolerate "nonsense", you are not yet ready for marriage. Also, your ability to overlook wrongs and leave them in the past without referring to it or reacting is a huge sign of maturity that will bring peace to your marriage and relationship with people. If you can imbibe these two attributes of sensible people, you'll have a sweet and lasting relationship with people and in your marriage.
Father, I receive grace to control my temper and overlook wrongs In Jesus name. Amen