‘Take control of what I say, O Lord , and guard my lips.’ Psalms 141:3(NLT)
‘Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. ‘ Philippians 4:2(NLT)
‘Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.’ Proverbs 4:23(NLT)
‘In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.
Husbands
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
All Christians
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Suffering for Doing Good
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.’ 1 Peter 3:1-18 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/1PE.3.1-18
Today we are going to look at the list of the don’ts and pray through them. We will unpack each one later in the week, but today we will just read through the 5 Daily Don’ts and pray.
The 5 DAILY DON’TS
1. Do not correct your spouse. Do not discount, discredit, or devalue what they say. No matter how much you feel that they are wrong.
2. Do not complain to them, around them, or about them.
3. Do not make comments. Little comments. In-passing comments. Sarcastic comments. “Just sayin'” comments.
4. Do not control. Do not try to make your point, get what you want, get your way, or make something happen.
5. Do not criticize. Do not put them down with accusations. You know the ones: “You are never satisfied”; “You always find something to be upset about”; and “No one likes you because you are so negative.”
You are going to have to watch yourself very carefully in order to avoid these 5 Don’ts. You may not even be aware of all of the things you do and say. So be watchful over your heart, take every thought captive, and carefully consider each action. We encourage you to pray the suggested prayer below as you close today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace upon me. I praise You for You are God Most High, my Maker and Redeemer. I affirm that You are working even now on my behalf. I believe that Your ways are higher than my ways. I ask You now to search my heart and reveal any sinful way in me. Help me confess and repent of my sin as soon as I become aware of it. Thank You for all You have done and all You are doing and all You are going to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
from Dos And Don’ts: A One-Week Plan To Help Your Marriage