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Proverbs 12:16
Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults (MSG).
Prayer: Ask God for the wisdom not to draw huge conclusions from minor offenses. (“Love covers a multitude of sins” [I Peter 4:8 nlt].) Commit yourselves before the Lord not to focus on the unloving or disrespectful moments. Instead, thank Him for all the Love & Respect blessings in your marriage. (Also, remember to thank Him for blessings on the parenting front and in the workplace. He is God of the 80:20 ratio in all circumstances!)
Action: Evaluate how well you are practicing the Energizing Cycle by writing down the skills or principles you are trying to use regularly as you practice C-O-U-P-L-E (for men) or C-H-A-I-R-S (for women). Are you keeping a proper perspective when “muddy boots” annoyances happen? Remember Proverbs 12:16, “The prudent quietly shrug off insults,” and thus keep the Energizing Cycle humming. (For discussion questions, see page 226 in appendix A.)
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