One of my favorite Bible passages for relationships is James 3:17, which says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is initially pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, filled with mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
The New King James Version replaces the word “submissive” with the phrase “willing to yield,” which paints a visible of yielding our wants and desires. I liken it to a yield sign that causes us to decelerate, stop if needed, and let other cars go ahead of us.
Now, please don’t misunderstand. Yielding is not at all times possible, especially if it involves compromising moral or biblical standards. But more often than not, we will yield to less necessary things and like our spouse’s preferences above our own.
This jogs my memory of Philippians 2:1-4, which says, “Therefore if you will have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing within the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the identical love, being one in spirit and of 1 mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not trying to your personal interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
When handling disagreements, ask yourself, “Can I let this go, or should it’s addressed?” Most of the time, you will find it easier to let go, realizing your argument is not as necessary as you thought.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Delmaine Donson
