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Podcast Description 

The ability to resolve conflict in a relationship may be one of the lost arts. Many times, when a conflict arises, distance is created in a relationship and avoidance leads to a weakening in the relational connection. In this episode, Tim and Elaine finish their 4-part series on Communication in Marriage by addressing how we can resolve conflicts in a productive way.

Passages:

Matthew 18:15 – If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. NLT – “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.

Matthew 7:3-5 – Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Prov. 15:28 – The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

Proverbs 4:23 – Keep watch over your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (NKJV and BBE combined)

Matt. 15:19-20 …out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.20 “These are the things which defile a man…

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (I.e. it shows me the path)

Psalm 119:9 – How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

Hebrews 4:12 -13 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Main Thought

• Jesus lays a responsibility on the offended party to confront the offender. (I am to “go”; take the initiative)
• My reason (motive) for going to him is show him his fault. This means I am to help him see what he has done and how it impacted me.
• I am going to lovingly confront him lovingly.
• The objective is reconciliation.
• My hope is that he will see what he as done and repent (change) and turn toward me and the relationship

Things to keep in mind

• Be positive
• Be specific
• Share how the offense impacted you
• Share your desire for change
• Ask if he/she understands what you are saying
• Allow the other person to respond Action Steps: Be sure to share the podcast with your friends and family. Send us a question or comment.

Tim and Elaine Russo are founders of the Relationship Impact Group. They are passionate about helping individuals and couples live out their God-given purpose.

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