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Men of Integrity, May/June 2007
Lights Out!
Theme of the Week: Vive la Différence!
Monday, May 14
Key Bible Verse: And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26). Bonus Reading: Matthew 5:23-24
Returning from work, a husband can't believe his wife is fully charged to talk about an earlier tension. He may have to be reminded of what exactly happened because he's forgotten. Or he may be deeply pained, but has shoved it into a "compartment" in his mind, saying to himself, What's the point in trying to talk about this if that's the way she feels?
For her, the whole day has been interwoven with the spat they had. She's replayed and rehearsed the episode a dozen times.
He tells her, "Let's just forget it, okay? Let's move on." She can't imagine how he could not be upset the way she is.
To grasp the dynamics, think of two types of electrical circuit. On one circuit are 3,000 lights designed so that if one light gets smashed the whole string goes out. On the other circuit are 3,000 lights designed so that if you smash 2,000 lights the other 1,000 will still work.
The wife is like the first integrated circuits, with mind, body, and soul connected. A feeling of hurt knocks all her "lights" out. Let her husband make one small, unkind remark that feels unloving to her and she is totally upset with him until things are repaired.
—Emerson Eggerichs in Love and Respect
My Response: How can I open up to my mate to keep our connection up-to-date?
Adapted from Love and Respect (Integrity, 2004) by permission.
Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
May/June 2007, Vol. 10, No. 3
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Prayer for the Week |
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Lord, You designed male and female to complement each other. Help me mesh with Your design.
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