“It is in the home that our behavior is most significant. It
is the place where our actions have the greatest impact, for good or ill.
Sometimes we are so much ‘at home’ that we no longer guard our words. We forget
simple civility. If we are not on guard, we can fall into the habit of
criticizing one another, losing our tempers, or behaving selfishly. Because
they love us, our spouses and children may be quick to forgive, but they often
carry away in silence unseen injuries and unspoken heartache. . . .
“When we feel anger or contention in our homes, we should
immediately recognize what power has taken control of our lives and what Satan
is endeavoring to accomplish. Solomon provided us this wise formula: ‘A soft
answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger’ (Prov. 15:1).
“Our home should ideally be a refuge where each member feels
safe, secure, loved, and insulated from harsh criticism and contention that we
so often encounter in the world.”
Wayne S. Peterson, “Our Actions Determine Our Character,”
Ensign, Nov. 2001, 84.
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