How can we be practically sweet to our wives, families, and friends? We first need to lay claim to the sweetness that is ours in Christ. We must not depend upon our natural state for the manifestation of this fruit. I believe sweetness is a fruit of the Spirit, although it is not listed as such. However, sweetness is contained in all nine fruits of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith, and self control (Galatians 5:22).
Because sweetness is a fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit we need to lay hold of the fullness of the Spirit through prayer. As we are filled with the Holy Spirit sweetness naturally flows out through us to others.
1. WE NEED TO SPEAK MORE SWEETLY
We need to be men of sweet speech to all those who we live with, especially our wives and children. On the surface, it might seem a sweet thing to buy gifts for your wife and family, but what’s the point of gifts if we do not speak sweet and kind words to them on a daily basis? I know that many of us men are far from perfect in this area of our lives. I’m not talking about absolute perfection, and I do not think wives and families should get upset because the husband and father loses his cool occasionally. However, it would be a great blessing for men to be generally speaking far more sweetly with all their loved ones. Men should aim, with God’s help, to improve in this area.
Many women also need to improve in this area and remember that “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
Proverbs 25:15 says: “ A soft tongue breaks the bone.” Some women may think their husband has a thick skull when it comes to temperament. However, the best answer to any problem comes in the form of a soft, sweet answer.
Men, remember that these two Scriptures were not just written to women. They apply to men as well.
To be continued.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell