Marriage
165
other to do as you wish. You cannot do this and retain each other’s
love. Manifestations of self-will destroy the peace and happiness of
the home. Let not your married life be one of contention. If you do you
will both be unhappy. Be kind in speech and gentle in action, giving
up your own wishes. Watch well your words, for they have a powerful
influence for good or for ill. Allow no sharpness to come into your
voices. Bring into your united life the fragrance of Christ-likeness.
Before a man enters a union as close as the marriage relation, he
should learn how to control himself and how to deal with others.
My brother, be kind, patient, forbearing. Remember that your wife
accepted you as her husband, not that you might rule over her, but that
you might be her helper. Never be overbearing and dictatorial. Do not
exert your strong will power to compel your wife to do as you wish.
Remember that she has a will and that she may wish to have her way
as much as you wish to have yours. Remember, too, that you have the
advantage of your wider experience. Be considerate and courteous.
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.”
James 3:17
.
Remember, my dear brother and sister, that God is love and that
by His grace you can succeed in making each other happy, as in
your marriage pledge you promised to do. And in the strength of the
Redeemer you can work with wisdom and power to help some crooked
life to be straight in God. What is there that Christ cannot do? He is
perfect in wisdom, in righteousness, in love. Do not shut yourselves up
to yourselves, satisfied to pour out all your affection upon each other.
Seize every opportunity to contribute to the happiness of those around
you, sharing with them your affection. Words of kindness, looks of
sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would to many a struggling,
[128]
lonely one be as a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of
cheer, an act of kindness, would go far to lighten the burdens that are
resting heavily upon weary shoulders. It is in unselfish ministry that
true happiness is found. And every word and deed of such service is
recorded in the books of heaven as done for Christ. “Inasmuch as ye
have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren,” He declares,
“ye have done it unto Me.”
Matthew 25:40
.
Live in the sunshine of the Saviour’s love. Then your influence
will bless the world. Let the Spirit of Christ control you. Let the law
of kindness be ever on your lips. Forbearance and unselfishness mark