You know when God draws our attention to a passage of scripture, He wants us to grow and apply it. So you’ll understand why the one God keeps bringing to me this December makes me a little nervous.

If you received the CHP (Come Have a Peace, NOT California Highway Patrol 😉 ) Newsletter for December, you already saw this verse and my 6 secrets to navigating relationships during the holidays. (If you missed it, sign up for the monthly newsletter.) Christmastime can take a toll on wedded bliss. Detangling lights, buying gifts for the relatives, what you wear (or if you go) to a Christmas Eve church service … you name it, and your marriage might be lacking peace on earth in December. Getting along is possible.

I want to share the verses that produced my secrets to navigating relationships. We’ll sharpen the focus on what they mean to getting along in  our marriages.

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:22-26 NLT)

Sometimes I like to start at the end; this is one of those times. Let’s start at the bottom and work up.

Getting along with your husband at Christmas

1. The devil hates Christmas, but he loves getting us to argue. It’s “his will” for us. God’s will is that we “come to our senses.”
2. When we are opponents, gentleness works wonders. God hopes we will repent & understand the truth of earthly matters.
3. Kindness rules with everyone, especially our spouse. We “teach” each other our needs/thoughts by having a patient spirit.
4. Stupid arguments turn into quarrels. We shouldn’t have anything to do with foolishness between us. Getting along is God’s plan.
5. Our hearts find a common bond when we call on God with a pure heart; that means we both really desire peace.
6. Our relationships are the perfect place to work out the righteousness, faith, love, and peace Jesus made possible in us.
7. Christmas may bring out the child in us, but we should stay away from acting like children when it comes to our expectations.

Something “foolish” is bound to bother, offend, hurt, or annoy you before this year gives way to the old. What if your Prince Charming bought you a nightgown … that’s 2 sizes too big? What if you forgot to get a gift … for his mother? What if you’re hoping for a little kissing under the mistletoe … but all you get is a silent night? Getting along in stressful times is possible for couples who work it out God’s way.

Let’s purpose to be one of “those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Let’s put our inner child in her place and refuse to be part of stupid arguments that lead to quarreling with each other. Instead, let’s be full of kindness and the hope of doing God’s will and not the devil’s.  Let’s “come to our senses” this Christmas!

Sign up for the monthly CHP Newsletter