Whenever my siblings and I would get into a fight one of us would always say, “He made me so mad!” My mom would respond saying, “Nobody can make you do anything.” That has always stuck with me. In any aspect of life; whether it’s an argument, a stressful situation, or a trial, it’s not what’s happening that determines how things go, but it’s how we respond to it. Nobody can “make you” yell, be upset, argue, call names, or do something that you would regret later.
What are some ways that you can control your anger and not let what’s happening around you effect your relationship? In D&C 121: 41-42. we are taught to lead our families by “persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness, kindness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned.” Controlling your anger and not letting things get to you doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience and working together as a team to make a marriage run smooth without any contention. When there is contention in a marriage, the spirit is not able to be present. It doesn’t mean that there will never be times of contention, but we should try and limit them as much as possible. We need to remember that nobody is perfect and we will make mistakes.
There was a quote from President Brigham Young that I really like that says, “Every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord. Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.” This quote really put things into perspective for me that the problems that come in our marriages and in life help prepare us for Eternal Life. If you’re in a situation with your spouse that you’re in a disagreement or you’re not getting along, remember these promises from the Lord and push through them. He isn’t going to “make you” be positive, do nice things for your spouse, talk nicely, or use the atonement in your marriage. The whole point in this life is to be with our families, learn about the atonement of Jesus Christ, become more like Him, and prepare to return to our Heavenly Father. If you and your spouse work through your problems with Heavenly Father’s help, your marriage will be far better off.
What are some things that you have done in your family or your own marriage that have helped resolve arguments, fights, or disagreements?
Happy Wife, Happy Life 