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YMC003: Handling Conflict In Marriage.
After hearing from several listeners seeking help with handling conflict in their marriages, hosts Gene and Jon Abercrombie dive right into this hot topic on this week’s episode. Conflict is inevitable when human emotions are involved, but it doesn’t always have to end badly. Get ready to explore the reasons for conflict among couples, “good” and “bad” ways to fight, the different ways husbands and wives respond to conflict, and strategies for conflict resolution.
Time Stamped Show Notes
[00:33] Jon goes straight into James 4:1-3, a great scripture passage that sums up why we experience conflict in marriage, and in life in general.
[1:57] Gene references the fall in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:11-13) as the birthplace for conflict among couples.
[3:27] Gene and Jon agree that every couple that cares about their marriage fight at some point in their relationship.
[6:16] Unrealistic or unmet expectations often trigger conflict in marriages.
[7:46] The first 5-10 minutes of a couple’s time together sets the tone. Make it count!
[11:37] Gene and Jon begin discussing “good” and “bad” ways to fight.
[14:53] Gene and Jon discuss common ways husbands and wives, and men and women in general, respond to conflict. (“Strategies for Effective Conflict Resolution” from www.focusonthefamily.com)
[25:12] Jon revisits “good” and “bad” fighting, and explains building walls vs. building bridges.
[26:50] 8 Strategies for Approaching Conflict Resolution (“Strategies for Effective Conflict Resolution” from www.focusonthefamily.com)
- Stick to the problem at hand.
- Get on the same side of the fence.
- Try to identify the core issue.
- Don’t be a mind reader.
- Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
- Avoid character assassination.
- Never forget that your relationship with your spouse is far more important than “winning” an argument or “being right”.
- Remember that love keeps no record of wrongs.
[44:04] Jon provides a great quote to encourage struggling couples, “You fight with your spouse, but you fight for your marriage. You don’t fight for anything else.”
[45:37] Jon issues the Marriage Challenge of the Week to the YMC Community – Initiate a conversation with your spouse to discuss how each of you handle conflict. Don’t forget to pray together at the end!
[47:16] Gene reads this week’s YMC Scripture Spotlight, Ephesians 4:26-27.
[47:31] Jon leads the YMC Community in prayer.
[48:46] Gene and Jon share the YMC website address, social media outlets, and invite the YMC Community to subscribe to and leave a review about the YMC Podcast on iTunes.
YMC Website and Social Media Outlets
Website www.yourmarriagecovenant.com
Facebook: @yourmarriagecovenant
Instagram: @yourmarriagecovenant
Twitter: @yourmarriagecov