subject: Spiritual and Biblical Insights about Conflict in Marriage [print this page] Spiritual and Biblical Insights about Conflict in Marriage
Biblical Insights
Proverbs 6:2-3
if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!
Though this passage refers to conflict with a neighbor the same applies to marriage and family.
From time to time, we all say things we regret. Though it is best to never have said them, we can minimize the damage by humbling ourselves and asking for forgiveness.
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Using personal restraint and keeping an even temper are of vital importance in conflict
Husband and wife need not raise their voices or make snide remarks to have their arguments heard
As anyone with experience knows, such only makes conflict worse
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
Have you ever heard anyone say, I dont like him, but I do respect him?Some people are so honorable in their actions that even their opponents need to give them credit for the way they handle themselves.
In marriage, if husband and wife can be civil, and honor God in all they do, though they will have conflict (all marriages do), the disagreements need not be ugly or destructive.
Prayer Starter
All marriages have conflict. All relationships have conflict. We know now that conflict is not necessarily bad, but does have the potential to be destructive. Help us to have constructive conflict, Lord, and help us to build relationships that are so overwhelmed with positive interactions that conflict does not dominate our lives.
Biblical Insights
Proverbs 6:2-3
if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!
Though this passage refers to conflict with a neighbor the same applies to marriage and family.
From time to time, we all say things we regret. Though it is best to never have said them, we can minimize the damage by humbling ourselves and asking for forgiveness.
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Using personal restraint and keeping an even temper are of vital importance in conflict
Husband and wife need not raise their voices or make snide remarks to have their arguments heard
As anyone with experience knows, such only makes conflict worse
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
Have you ever heard anyone say, I dont like him, but I do respect him?Some people are so honorable in their actions that even their opponents need to give them credit for the way they handle themselves.
In marriage, if husband and wife can be civil, and honor God in all they do, though they will have conflict (all marriages do), the disagreements need not be ugly or destructive.Online counselor is always available to help you out.
Prayer Starter
All marriages have conflict. All relationships have conflict. We know now that conflict is not necessarily bad, but does have the potential to be destructive. Help us to have constructive conflict, Lord, and help us to build relationships that are so overwhelmed with positive interactions that conflict does not dominate our lives.
