Life Punctuated :: Proper Punctuation for Marriage & Family :: Part 2 of 2

…continued from Part 1…  

• Quotation Marks: Quotation marks denote quoted or spoken language. Each member of the family is unique with a special calling. It’s important to recognize and cultivate the voice of every son and daughter of the Most High God. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14).

  Encourage each family member be set-apart from the world so that others long to know the ONE true God who sets us free. Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).  

• Apostrophe: As with the apostrophe, sometimes it’s beneficial to omit letters and abbreviate. God prefers for us to love Him and love others before we bring our perfect behavior, ritual or religious duty.  For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13). Like the apostrophe, it’s also worthy to denote possession, who we are and whose we are. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, (Galatians 3:26).

• Dashes: Dashes announce something important, dramatic or exciting. God wants us to live a life of thrilling adventure as we trust and believe Him. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

• Question Mark: A question mark indicates the sentence is worded to elicit information. We are to create a culture in our homes where it is okay to make mistakes and have doubts. Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Jesus meets us where we are and yet gently postures us toward trusting and believing Him more. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1b-2a).

• Parenthesis: The parenthesis surrounds something that seems a bit out of place in the sentence. It could be taken away without a huge impact. Like a parenthesis, we live in the world but do not need or even want the things of this world. Our hope is in things unseen and the treasures we long for are in heaven. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

• Period: The period allows a writer/reader to momentarily recess before beginning the next thought. We must be intentional about fostering each family member’s connection with God through prayer so that every thought and deed comes from God and receives His blessing. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).

• Exclamation Mark: The exclamation mark denotes strong feelings or astonishment. Like the exclamation mark, we are to emphasize praise, thanksgiving and worship of God. We are to remember what Jesus did for us and celebrate it often. Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind (Psalm 66:5)!

• Endnote: An endnote gives proper reference to the source. We are to remember and live in victory over evil because the ending to the story has been foretold. God triumphs over evil. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).

    Did you miss Part 1? Go here!   {Originally published in 2013}