When you do have disagreements, learn to disagree from the neck up.  Don’t let it get down in your heart.  Me and my wife don’t always see eye to eye on things, but over the years we’ve learned how to agree and disagree.

When you present your case, don’t try to make that other person change his or her mind.  Give others the right to have their own opinion.  If you’re not going to be happy unless they agree with you, then really you’re simply trying to manipulate that person.  You’re trying to force your opinion on that person. 

The better approach is to present your case, share your heart, and then step back and allow God to work in that person or situation.

As long as we are argumentative and we’re trying to force our opinions, then there’s going to be strife in our homes.  Wherever there’s strife, there’s confusion.  And there’s nothing worse than living in a home that’s tense.  Everybody’s on edge.  You feel that at any moment something could explode.

You don’t have to live that way.  Do your best to create an atmosphere of peace and unity in your homes.  When you’re tempted to pop off an say hurtful, critical, counterproductive things that you know you shouldn’t, next time have that opportunity, do yourself a favor.   Take a deep breath, pause about 10 seconds, and think about what you’re going to say before you speak.

Over the years I’ve found that words can cut like a knife.  You may say them in a matter of seconds, but three months later the person to whom you spoke them may still be feeling the sting.

Have you ever touched the stove and then pulled your hand off immediately?  But weeks later, it still stings.  That is what harmful, critical words can do.

Never threaten your spouse with divorce.  I’ve heard people say, “Well, if you ever do that again, I’m out of here.”  ” If you don’t do this, I’m leaving.”   No, don’t even let those words out into the atmosphere.  Your words have creative power, and when you speak like that, you’re just giving the enemy a right to bring it to pass.

Learn to take a step back, collect your thoughts, and think about what you want to say.

I hope you enjoyed this article today, and if you have any comments or suggestions I would love to hear from you.  Use the comment section below.  Thank you for your time today.  Continue to walk with God, as I can promise you one thing.  He is already walking with you.