March 7
Choosing Peace
Over Conflict
"It is better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a house with a wife who likes to argue."
Proverbs 21:9, NIrV
Elaine worked at a bustling garden center, surrounded by vibrant blooms and the earthy smell of soil. While she loved the peaceful environment, her personal life was far from serene. At home, she often clashed with her husband, Greg. Every small disagreement seemed to spiral into a full-blown argument.
At work, Elaine was known for her cheery demeanor and her knack for arranging stunning flower displays. But inside, she carried the weight of frustration. "Why doesn’t Greg understand me?" she often thought. Her coworkers noticed her occasional moodiness, and her manager once gently suggested she take a break when she snapped at a customer.
One day, while organizing a shipment of roses, Elaine overheard a customer sharing a Bible verse with her friend: “It is better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a house with a wife who likes to argue.” The words caught Elaine off guard. Was that how Greg felt? She tried to dismiss the thought, but it lingered.
That evening, after yet another argument over something trivial, Greg sighed heavily. “Elaine, I love you, but it feels like we’re always fighting. I don’t even want to come home some days.” His honesty stung. Elaine sat in silence, replaying the Bible verse in her mind.
Later, as she watered the garden outside, Elaine whispered a hesitant prayer. “God, I don’t even know if I’m doing this right, but I need help. I don’t want to be the person who pushes others away. Show me what to do.”
The next morning, Elaine approached Greg. “I’ve been thinking about what you said last night. I know I’ve been hard to live with. I don’t want us to keep going like this.” Greg looked surprised but nodded. They agreed to communicate more gently and even started setting aside time to talk about their day without distractions.
Over the next few weeks, Elaine noticed a shift in herself. At work, she became more patient with customers, and at home, the atmosphere grew lighter. She started reading devotionals and found comfort in God’s Word. The verse that once stung now reminded her of the importance of peace and humility in her relationships.
Prayer:
Thank You for Your Word, which guides us even when the truth is hard to hear.
Help us to seek peace in our homes and relationships, especially when it’s easier to argue or hold onto pride.
Lord, teach us to listen with open hearts and respond with love.
Thank You for showing Elaine the value of humility and for guiding her toward healing in her marriage.
Help us to approach every situation with grace, remembering that peace begins with us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
