In previous sessions we have covered many aspects of the marriage relationship. One theme that should have been central to all these areas is that we want to build ‘oneness’ in our marriages. The opposite of oneness is isolation. Building oneness requires good communication skills, especially when addressing conflict.
If conflict is approached correctly, it is healthy because it enables the individuals to mature and grow and draws the couple closer together.
If conflict is approached correctly, it is healthy because it enables the individuals to mature and grow and draws the couple closer together.
The not so exciting side of conflict is change, and sometimes there is pain with the change.
Just like any life skill, we all need help learning how to constructively engage in conflict. Some of these skills are:
Unresolved conflict can intensify the emotions of future conflicts, so we want to work hard at settling conflicts before they create bitterness and isolation in the relationship.
Patty has a degree in Family Studies from New Mexico State University in the US. She has lived in Africa for 45 years and has worked in Eswatini, Zimbabwe and South Africa. She and her husband, Ken, have been married for thirty-five years and have two children. They have been working with FamilyLife, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, for thirty-four years.
Patty has a degree in Family Studies from New Mexico State University in the US. She has lived in Africa for 45 years and has worked in Eswatini, Zimbabwe and South Africa. She and her husband, Ken, have been married for thirty-five years and have two children. They have been working with FamilyLife, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, for thirty-four years.