FIGHTING
TO DEATH

Topics: Arguments; Conflict; Disunity; Family; Fighting; Marriage; Peace; Prayer; Presumption; Relationships; Strife

References: Proverbs 27:15; Ephesians 4:26–27; Philippians 2:14; Colossians 3:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1

An elderly couple lived together in a nursing home. Though they had been married for sixty years, their relationship was strained with constant arguments, disagreements, and shouting contests. The fights didn’t stop even in the nursing home; the couple argued and squabbled from the time they got up in the morning until they fell in bed at night.

The nursing home supervisor eventually threatened to throw them out if they didn’t change their ways. Even then the couple couldn’t agree on what to do.

Finally, the wife said to her husband, “I’ll tell you what, Joe; let’s pray that one of us dies. After the funeral is over, I’ll go live with my sister.”

—John Beukema, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania