who doesn't fight?

Don't duke it out,
Don't fake it out,
Don't hide it out,
Work it out!

that's a good start to a good topic...conflict. we all need pointers on how to resolve conflict. at the FamilyLife Weekend to Remember this was on of the topics discussed. i found it to be very helpful information and i hope you do too.

where does conflict come from? conflict occurs when our desires are not fulfilled...our expectations have not been meet...we have been hurt. our unfulfilled desires can result in anger. thus comes the conflict.

how do we resolve our conflict? here are a few suggestions.

A. Before you confront, examine the offense

1. Determine if the offense requires confrontation
2. Consider your contribution to the conflict
3. Examine your heart

B. Lovingly confront

1. Speak the truth in love
2. Approach confrontation carefully
3. Choose your words carefully
4. Your goal is to restore oneness in your marriage

resolving conflict requires forgiveness.

true forgiveness is not:
- pretending that something did not happen
- conditional
- forgetting
- an automatic cure for the hurt

granting forgiveness is:
- a choice to set your spouse free from the debt of their offense
- an attitude of letting go of resentment and vengeance
- the first step toward rebuilding trust
- an act of obedience to God

in the end we should be blessing our spouse not insulting them. we have the choice in how we respond.

bless your spouse by cultivating a new attitude.
choose a blessing instead of insult.
blessing your spouse follows the example of Jesus.
seek to be a peacemaker not a troublemaker.