In an online group, a question was raised where a husband force-fed a four-year old… the kid wasn’t interested in the roast being served for dinner. So the dad decided the child would eat it – and that he would make him. Oh, what’s a Biblical, God-fearing wife to do?
Do you sit with a “gentle and quiet spirit” 1 Peter 3:6 style, and do nothing?
Do you jump into the fray and put your foot down?
Saying nothing condones what’s happening, which is admittedly wrong, right?
I get that righteous anger may build up.
Can we answer this without returning evil for evil?
YES.
Here’s what I suggested:
Ephesians 5:33 tells us to respect our husband – Proverbs 19:19 says not to rescue an angry man, Ephesians 6:4 says to not provoke children to anger and Proverbs 15-1 says a gentle answer turns away wrath. Putting a hand on his arm, saying “hey, can I talk to you a second? “ then going to another room to ask, “you seem pretty something, it’s not like you to be so harsh with the little one, what’s up?” Then listening, validating what he says back to him, and then asking if he feels like you get him, then asking, is this a memory you want to create? Our kids are terrified right now, and I think you are a better man than your father – can we handle this lovingly instead?” And if he rages at you, “hey, I love you, but this isn’t Jesus speaking through you right now and I’m asking you to take a break from dinner. Force feeding a 4 year old is damaging and you need to think about this. Please don’t come to the table til you can be kind. I love you and this isn’t who you are.” And if it escalates, that’s a whole other situation. Might involve taking the kids to mom’s and involving your pastor as force feeding a crying 4 year old who is now terrified is out of bounds.
Might even end up calling the police if things can’t be sorted rationally.
Could you SEE the way God does in that situation?
Would you be able to respond and not react? That’s Who Jesus IS and He is IN you! What’s in the way of your tapping into Him in these situations? What are you believing about yourself, God, or others in spaces like this that keep you from being used by God to help others level up?
Text me if you are ready to level up your marriage and family. We have a PROVEN path forward that glorifies God and forever-style changes families. 513-348-2083
Love to you,
Nina
Hooligans for smiles 🙂 