If we avoid conflict or pretend it doesn’t exist, the greater the problem will become.
Conflict
Someone just “pushed your buttons” and you’re ready to push back. That’s the Reactive Cycle. But is there a better way to handle conflict?
All couples fight. And it feels as if we’re fighting about something. But when we look at our conflicts, they can sound pretty insignificant. Big things don’t ensnare us as often as the little things.
Conflict is inevitable in marriage and can create damage or discovery — we choose which it will be. Discovery means learning new ideas, approaches and solutions if we fight together for our marriage.
When ADHD and marriage go together, you can face repeating conflict patterns. But you can lessen those patterns and strengthen your marriage.
Physical abuse is a means of coercively controlling another through fear and intimidation. It involves intentionally or recklessly using physical force that may result in bodily injury or physical pain.
After my husband confessed his pornography addiction, I wondered if I could ever love him again. But we fought for love — and won.
Abusive marriages like Emma’s are more common than many realize. God’s plan for a family never included abuse.
Conflict is an inevitable part of the human experience but leaning into conflict can help us grow spiritually and help us lead others well.
As pastors, we cannot escape conflict, and we shouldn’t avoid it, but we can find healthy, effective ways to lean into conflict.
