How to Resolve Conflict in Your Marriage
Discussion Questions
1. In marriage, we often repeat the same arguments over and over. What are the “common culprits” of conflict and disagreement in your marriage? Household Chores? Expectations? Parenting? Schedules? Sexual Intimacy? Priorities? Or something else?
2. Think back as far as you have to… What were the conditions in your life and marriage when your communication was at its best? What did that look like? What changed in you since then? Stay in your circle!
3. With the circle drawn around yourself, what would need to change today for you to be a better communicator with your spouse?
4. Read Ephesians 4:26-27. “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity for the devil.” To what extent do you implement this principle in your marriage? What happens over time when you go to bed angry?
5. Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, including your relationship with God. In what ways can we communicate with God? How does God most often communicate with you? What connection does communication with God have to your marriage?
1-on-1 Conversation Starter
How do I display negative communication patterns? Don’t become defensive, but try to re-state your understanding of what he or she shared and be thankful for the insights.
Challenge for the Week
• Call your spouse while you’re apart just to say you’re thinking of him or her.
• Extra credit: Before bed sometime this week, read 1 Corinthians 13:13 together out loud. Then, even if it’s not pretty or fancy, hold hands and briefly pray together. Ask God to bless your marriage and help you with communication.