Resolving Conflict In Marriage

Unfortunately, there's no question of if there will be conflict in your marriage. There will be. The only question is how you will deal with it.

Resolving conflict in marriage is difficult, but the Bible offers plenty of practical wisdom on the subject. Here are three great tips for working through problems with your spouse:

• Listen.

I suspect every marriage counselor would agree: listening well is one of the most important skills in resolving any conflict. Yet all too often, we find ourselves plotting our next point, rather than actively listening to our spouse. The Bible has this to say on the topic:

“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13

• Focus on the good

Have you ever found yourself listing everything your spouse has ever done wrong? Maybe you didn't recite your list out loud, but anger makes us focus on the bad. This wonderful person that you chose to spend your life with suddenly looks like the enemy. But it doesn't have to be that way:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Remember the reasons you fell in love in the first place. Remember the good times, the fun, and the joy you share. When you're ready, try to see the good in your spouse's position right now. A person who cares enough to fight with you is still a person who cares.

• Speak with love

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1

Finally, when the time comes for you to speak, tell the truth, but tell it with love. Without love, the most persuasive speech is nothing but noise.

SOURCE: https://www.worldbibleschool.org