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Recently, my wife introduced me to a product called Breathe Right Nasal Strips. It’s a Band-Aid type apparatus that athletes, such as football players, wear across the bridge of the nose to gain better air access through their nostrils. My wife’s motivation was to restore her sleeping habits. She claims that my snoring has created a less-than-desirable concert during the wee hours of the morning!

At least she didn’t resort to the action of the lady who wrote to Dear Abby complaining of her husband’s snoring. After trying other ideas, the woman went to the local hardware store, bought a yardstick and put it under the bed. When her husband’s snoring got too loud, she would reach down, grab the yardstick, and whack him on the forehead. She whacked him so many times that whenever he starts snoring, all she has to do is lean over the edge of the bed. He immediately senses what’s coming and stops snoring! Isn’t that hilarious?

Oftentimes the conflicts in marriage and in relationships are the direct result of people who are so unyielding in position that they are not willing to find common ground. It’s interesting that the word compromise literally means “to make an agreement.” In some cultures (the United Kingdom, for example), it’s a word used to designate communication that signifies commitment! In our culture, “compromise” is often used to describe surrendering your values or rights.

I guess it depends on what and with whom you’re compromising! An unwillingness to compromise with your spouse is not wise—and will seriously jeopardize your ability to find resolution. Collisions will be the norm, and the resistive attitude will undermine the very fabric and foundation of the relationship. On the other hand, compromising with the devil will result in a vacuum of convictions and throw us into a vulnerable state. That kind of compromise brings reproach upon Christ and causes irreparable harm to our witness.

Consider the important relationships that God has put in your life. Find ways to build unity and trust in those relationships. May your influence create a safe harbor for those around you. May you never compromise with the evil one, but instead, may you work fervently at finding common ground with those around you (Ephesians 4:3)!

Have a peaceful night’s sleep. I know that Debbie now does! Does anyone know whether Rite Aid sells a generic (cheaper) brand of nose strips?

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” -Romans 12:18 (NIV)

served as the president of The Foursquare Church from 2009-2020.
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