"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
- Philippians 2:4
(New International Version)
I like winning. Be it board games, competitions or a contest, I play to win.
Today however, I am encouraged to see that giving in to the other can be a positive move. By not insisting on my way, I am making a loving, lasting investment in my marriage.
Excerpts from the book (slight re-phrasing):
"Unfortunately, stubbornness comes as a standard feature on both husband and wife models. Defending your rights and opinions is a foundational part of your nature and make-up. However, this is detrimental to a marriage relationship and can also cause great frustration for both.
Yet, possessing the attitude of Christ - the attitude of willingness, flexibility, and humble submission - means laying down for the good of others what you have the right to claim for yourself.
The wise and loving thing to do is to start approaching your disagreements with a willingness to not always insist on your own way. That's not to say your mate is necessarily right or being wise about a matter, but you are choosing to give strong consideration to their preference as a way of valuing them.
Instead of treating your wife or husband like an enemy or someone to be guarded against, start by treating them as your closest, most honoured friend. Give their words full weight.
[While] you won't always see eye-to-eye. You are not supposed to be carbon copies of each other. Rather, your differences are for listening to and hearing from."
Being willing to go the other person's way demonstrates love to my other half. Although I do like winning, guess it is not always about my rights.
Admittedly, I do not ALWAYS have to do things my way or get grumpy if things do not go as planned. *contrite sniffs*
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