Dear Lord; Good morning Father. Well Lord, I didn’t exactly start the day on a stellar note. As You well know, Shannon and I very seldom have any significant arguments. We’re very much on-keel with each other, and any little disagreements we do have now and again are usually quickly and calmly worked out.
That wasn’t the case today however.
A simple misreading of a reaction to something I said led to tempers flaring on both sides, and a twenty minute excited exchange… Over basically nothing.
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. – 2 Timothy 2:23-24
Ouch! Yep, that pretty much describes our fight… foolish and stupid. I stand convicted Lord, and am deeply ashamed. Instead of listening for Your Guidance in that moment, I allowed my temper to shut myself off from You and caused unnecessary pain to someone I love deeply.
Heavenly Father, please help me focus my heart and mind on Your Voice in times of stress. Help me not be quick to anger, and instead bring a level head and calm influence to situations that arise.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. – James 1:19-20
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Great verses to live by! Thanks for your honesty! Fights are usually foolish with our spouse! Wondeful thoughts and a great post! I need to remember these verses next time my tail feathers get ruffled!
Thank you Kelli! It’s hard sometimes in the “heat of things” to focus on His Voice, but I’m certainly working on it!
Have a Blessed Day!
And we have had our share of those types of spats as well. Thank you for sharing so openly and for the scripture lesson. I truly appreciate the reminder to be slow to speak and quick to listen.
Just found you on For the Love of Blogs 🙂
joy & blessings to you Phather Phil!
Alida
Welcome Alida, and thank you for the comment! It always amazes me how verses written so long ago still hold so much meaning today. God’s Word is certainly timeless.
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post. Thank you for your transparency. As Kelly said, fights with our spouses normally are foolish. I want to be slow to anger and quick to show love and encouragement. Thanks for the reminder. Blessings!
Thank you Jenifer. Shannon and I have so few arguments that when we both get our hackles up, it hits us pretty hard. And you’re right, most of the little spats we do have are generally over foolish things.
Have a Blessed Day!
Holding your tongue is so hard to do…it’s gotten me in trouble many a time! Love the verses!
It certainly can be Allison! I’ve got more than a little “smart alec” in me, and it’s gotten me in trouble over the years as well.
Have a Blessed Day!
These are great verses to live by. I really want to be slow to speak and quick to listen. Gotta work on that one! 🙂
I love that one too Lisa, and it fits so many situations throughout the day.
Have a Blessed Day!
I love 2 Timothy 2:23-24, what a great verse… anyone married needs to have it engraved on their hearts! The best thing about doing the wrong thing is His gentle correction and swift guidance! Thank you Phil for your honesty and your heart to share it with us!
Thank you Heidi! It just fit the situation so well that it almost jumped out at me. Thankfully, His Guidance gets us through the “foolish” moments!
Have a Blessed Day!