Resist closing yourself off.
| posted 1/30/2009
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When a spouse is distant, you usually respond in one of two ways. You may tend to withdraw, thereby creating an even larger distance. Or you may keep pestering your spouse to open up—usually resulting in an annoyed or angry mate.
Instead of responding these ways, try this technique from Proverbs: Continue to serve him with genuine love and kindness. Perhaps your spouse needs time and space to sort through something that's troubling him. Try to be physically and emotionally present without being pushy. The proverb "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due" (3:27) applies to those in your family, too.
When you're helpful to your neighbors and to family members, God calls you his friend and he blesses your home. Those are valuable promises for a marriage relationship. (See also Zephaniah 3:16, 17; Ephesians 4:14-16.)
Good Words to Remember:
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due …. The wise shall inherit glory. Proverbs 3:27, 35
Today's Challenge:
Do you tend to withdraw or pester when your spouse withdraws? What might be a healthier way of responding?
Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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