Nurturing Relationships Through Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
Ephesians 5
Proverbs 18
Show Notes:
Communication is key to a healthy marriage, and resolving communication breakdowns is imperative to the success of any relationship. When properly nurtured through effective communication, a marriage can experience revival and restoration with a connection rebuilt between husband and wife.
For a relationship to thrive, effective communication should flow through all areas of the relationship. However, with the stresses of everyday life coupled with the possible dysfunctional habits stemming from past relationships or family history, proper communication takes time and effort.
God has designed man and woman with unique characteristics specific to the Biblical roles he and she is to play in a marriage. In a marriage, women particularly need to feel loved and secure, while men need to feel honored and respected. When you and your spouse follow several practical tips– leading with love and humility with God at the center–your marriage can be transformed into the partnership that God has intended it to be.
Conflict is inevitable; it’s not about having no disagreements, it’s about approaching conflict through love and seeking to understand one another. This begins with learning how each other processes and deals with conflict. Perhaps one spouse prefers to try to figure the issue out right away while the other needs some space before discussing the matter at hand. Regardless of which you may be, be sure to address rather than avoid the topic altogether. Try setting a time frame in which each of you can collect your thoughts before reconvening for the hard conversations. That way, whoever may need space receives their time, while the conflict isn’t pushed under the rug.
To lessen the likelihood that disagreements will come up in a heated moment, be intentional to set time in your schedule for talks with your spouse. This helps combat the busyness and distractions of everyday life, as well. Make time for what matters and fight for the principles you want instilled in your marriage so your relationship isn’t driven by life, but you’re leading your relationship in love.
Additionally, being cognizant of how you’re coming across in conversation is important. Every one of us has a natural default of communication which may include certain body language and tone of voice. Having an awareness of the areas that could negatively affect communication is one step closer to healthy habits. Ask Holy Spirit to help you be a better spouse, and remember, it’s not about what you came out of, it’s what you are doing today! Change is always possible through God and His Word.
God wants to grow and enrich all relationships. While any conflict can turn into a fight, any conflict can be quickly resolved by proper communication. Follow God’s leading, bridge the gap with conflict resolution, and step into a state of oneness that God has called husband and wife to be.