Family Council: How to Overcome Contention in Our Home

Q:  Why don't we want contention in our home?  (Dad)

A:  "We won't be able to enter the kingdom of heaven." (Shaylee)  "It's a commandment."  (Mom)  "Contention is of the devil." (Brandon)  "Because it makes people be mad and drives out the Spirit." (Kenyon)  "Yes, because contention is the spirit of the devil we cannot have both it and the Holy Ghost, and we won't have peace or happiness when we're contentious. So when we choose to be contentious the Holy Spirit leaves us until we repent."  (Dad)

Q:  What are some things we can do to get rid of contention in our home?  (Dad)

A:   "If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say it, even if it's a joke." (Shaylee)  "Every time people contend they have to do something nice for each other." (Brandon)  "Pray for no contention." (Kenyon)  "They need to listen and obey. Also give time to wrap things up to make a transition instead of telling the kids to drop what they're doing. For instance tell them five minutes before it's time to read scriptures, to go to church, to take a bath, etc."  (Mom)  "Don't be rude." (Jaron)  "Be nice." (Maycee)  "We need to apply the Lord's teachings with each other. We need to apologize quickly and often when we hurt or offend someone whether we meant to or not. Also we need to forgive others quickly and often, even if they don't ask for it. We need to love, to bless, to pray for, and do good to those who are our enemies. So we should be doing the same things to those we love."  (Dad)

Q:  You cannot control other people and their behavior, only yourself. However, you can influence. What's the best way to influence them?  (Dad)

A:   "Show love to them and kindness." (Shaylee) "Exactly. We need to be Christlike by doing the things He taught us and that we've discussed. It's the best way to soften each other's hearts and drive out the spirit of contention."  (Dad)