Living in Harmony

Harmony.

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. Proverbs 3:7. When the bible speaks of harmony, it is different than the 1960s hippie version of harmony. This kind of harmony includes a lot of self-reflection. See how the bible tells us to give ourselves and adjust yourself. Yep, that’s all you making the changes, not forcing someone else to change to what you need them to be. There are times when our marriage can feel like a battleground with constant fighting and arguing. But that is not what our marriage is supposed to look or feel like. How would your attitude and behavior change if you were not snobbish, willing to humble yourself, and had no conceit? Believers and married couples should seek to love and encourage one another. Remember your marriage should be the kind of love that is self-sacrificing. Your needs before my own kind of thing. Are you putting your spouse first, caring for his needs above your own?

Rejoice.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:14-16. When was the last time you rejoiced? I know these have been a rough few years and sometimes it just feels like one blow after another. But when was the last time we rejoiced for just the general blessings of God in our lives? What about all the ways he has so tenderly cared for us and had a hedge of protection around us, even when we had no idea? When was the last time we shared our feelings with our spouses or rejoiced over all the blessings He has bestowed upon your family? No matter what you have had to walk through, God has always been right by your side. There is always something to praise Him for and rejoice over. Sometimes you just need to dig a little deeper but trust me, you will be so glad that you did.

One another.

The Bible is very clear about how to treat one another. Whether that is a relationship between husband and wife, the relationship between believers, or the relationship between believers and the fallen world. Even though these commands seem simple enough, they are extremely challenging to act out. We have seen however in our daily lives, how violence begets violence, and how anger and hatred only make problems worse. So when we start looking at the commands on how to treat one another, it all starts to make sense. Gently, patiently tolerate one another (Ep 4:2). Be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving to one another (Ep 4:32). Bear with and forgive one another (Co 3:13). Seek good for one another, and don’t repay evil for evil (1 Th 5:15). Don’t complain against one another (Jas 4:11, 5:9). Love one another (Jn 13:34, 15:12, 17; Ro 13:8; 1 Th 3:12, 4:9; 1 Pe 1:22; 1 Jn 3:11, 4:7, 11; 2 Jn 5). Through love, serve one another (Ga 5:13). Tolerate one another in love (Ep 4:2). Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25). Pray for one another (James 5:16). We have a lot of commands about how we should be behaving. I know I say this all the time but look at the last “one another”. James tells us to pray for one another. Sometimes we do a really good job of praying for other people who have specific needs, but when was the last time you prayed for your spouse? Your husband needs your prayers just as much if not more than other people do. Pray for his leadership of your family, keep him tender-hearted, seeking God and wisdom for the family, physical and mental health. The list can go on and on. Just because men act tough, doesn’t mean they don’t need help, especially when that help comes from our heavenly father. So this week, pray for your husband each day and see if you notice a difference. I bet you will.