FamilyFire

We learned in rule number one that conflict is normal so we need to learn to engage it instead of avoiding it.

So here is rule #2: No Running

We need to stop running away from conflict since it is a natural aspect of a healthy marriage. Maybe you are like me and walk out of the room when the argument is working in your favor. Which only makes it a moving fight as the argument continues from room to room! Or maybe you run by hiding from facing conflict.

We hide in many different ways. Sometimes we hide by giving our spouse the silent treatment, refusing to discuss the subject while we wallow in our anger. Sometimes it is pretending that everything is okay while we withdraw emotionally from the relationship.

We need to sit down and discuss our concerns in the moment to avoid building walls that will separate us from our spouse. If we find that the time is not appropriate for discussing our concerns, then we need to acknowledge the emotional  concern and schedule another time to discuss the issue.

Ephesians 4:26 -- Be angry, but do not sin in your anger. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

It is important to address the concerns we carry on our hearts and allow our spouse the opportunity to bear our burden with us.Sometimes we think we are protecting our spouse by not burdening them with our heartache. The reality is that we are only robbing our marriage of genuine intimacy.

To run from conflict will never resolve it. If we build up a reservoir of unresolved conflict it will wear us down inside and it will only be a matter of time until it overflows to damage your spouse and your relationship.