About marital conflicts … (2)
A. One of the things we learn through marital conflict is how to complement each other’s differences and create a win-win situation.
B. The beneficial aspects of marital conflict are:
1. It reveals each other’s differences.
2. It helps us see each other’s weaknesses.
3. It uncovers each other’s sinful tendencies.
4. It allows us to learn about each other’s background and upbringing.
5. It helps us understand each other’s habits, personalities, and values.
6. It shows us what each of us wants from the other.
7. It teaches us what words and actions should be avoided in our relationship.
C. To make marital conflict beneficial:
1. We must acknowledge and gradually accept each other’s differences.
2. While observing each other's weaknesses, we should intentionally focus on and appreciate each other's strengths, complimenting and encouraging one another, and making efforts to complement each other's weaknesses.
3. As we recognize each other's sinful tendencies, we must rely on the power of Jesus Christ's death on the cross and His precious blood, forgiving one another as the Lord has forgiven us.
4. By understanding each other’s backgrounds and learning about each other’s parents, we should play the role of a bridge between our respective families and parents.
5. As we learn about each other’s habits, personalities, and values, we should not criticize or try to change each other. Instead, we should make judgments based on Scripture, pray for each other in faith, and patiently wait with hope.
6. By letting go of what we want from each other and learning what each other truly needs, we must dedicate ourselves to fulfilling each other’s needs.
7. To avoid words or actions that may hurt one another, we should desire the fruit of the Spirit, self-control. Rather than focusing on what to say or do, we should diligently and humbly learn and practice what words and actions should be avoided in our relationship.