FIVE WONDERFUL “WON’TS” I LEARNED FROM MY PARENTS

By: American Decency Staff

I had the wonderful privilege of growing up in a Christian home with wonderful, godly parents. Much of what I know about marriage and parenting came simply by observing the way they related to each other and related to us kids. What follows are five wonderful “won’ts” that I learned. Obviously I haven’t achieved any of these perfectly, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, I’m growing.

1) I won’t give the cold shoulder.

If there is a disagreement or an argument, I will talk about it. I won’t give the cold shoulder. The silent treatment is simply unacceptable. I won’t stew in bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. I will keep short accounts with Jen, not letting grudges build and build. I will forgive seven times seventy times (Matthew 18:22). I will not let the sun go down on my anger (Ephesians 4:26), and thus allow the devil to have a foothold into our marriage.

2) I won’t raise my voice.

If I have an argument, I will, by God’s grace, not give in to the angry urge to raise my voice. I won’t buy into the stupid idea that louder equals clearer or more effective. I will work through disagreements with patience and love, listening to Jen and not trying to talk over her. Yelling, or any other form of angry outburst, is simply unacceptable. No slammed doors, thrown coffee cups, or kicking furniture. I will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).

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