Conflict Resolution: Why is Resolving Conflicts within Marriage so Important? 

In the New Testament we are given some great companionship advice in Romans 12:18 which reads, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be “at peace” with all people.” The Greek word here for “at peace” is Eireneuo (i-rane-yoo-o) and means to cultivate or to live harmoniously.

Since “all people” in this verse means everybody, it certainly includes marriage partners.

The answer to resolving conflicts is not in trying to get rid of our differences, but in learning how to harmoniously navigate them. This can be best accomplished by transforming our differences into assets rather than allowing them to remain liabilities.  

Conflicts are disagreements about which both partners feel strongly, and their differing opinions affect their behavior, causing disharmony in the marriage relationship.  

Conflicts are not necessarily bad—and they are inevitable in every relationship. 

In our relationships our objective is not to get rid of conflicts, but rather to resolve conflicts, and thereby learn how to work in harmony, as teammates, toward mutual objectives.  

When a pair works together to understand, encourage, and support each other, that relationship becomes more beautiful. 

On the flip side, however, unresolved conflicts become barriers to peace and harmony. 

The skill of conflict resolution does not come simply with the passing of time.  

It will require one to change some of their attitudes, learn to actively listen, treat your partner with respect, and negotiate solutions, but it can be done. 

Why is it so important to resolve conflicts?  As one marriage partner put it, “it’s the difference between heaven and hell.”  Some couples live for years with unresolved issues between them.  Their relationship can become like “ships passing in the night” barely communicating and engaging with each other. 

Are you struggling to resolve conflicts within your marriage?  Why not give me a call and let’s explore the avenues one might take to help bring a harmonious resolution to them?