God’s Design for Marriage When Conflict Arrives is the subject we’ll be learning. Conflict is inevitable in marriage. What we do when conflict arrives will either bind a couple together or drive them apart. We’ll learn that resolving conflict requires an understanding that anger is dangerous, can be destructive, and must be controlled. Sin is near when we feel anger arising within us. That inward anger can work its way out and be expressed in sinful ways. Galatians 5:22-23 identifies a fruit of the Holy Spirit as self-control. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to control us, not anger. It’s vital that we speak truthfully as we seek to resolve the conflict with gentleness. As challenging as these may be, above all, conflict resolution involves seeking and granting forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13-14). We are to forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us. Resolving conflict also requires that we understand the gift of blessing. Your wife/husband is God’s gift to you. We are to bless the LORD and show appreciation and care for that gift. This often involves cultivating a new attitude of heart (1 Peter 3:8). We must remember that our words and behaviors are from what is inside more than what is outside. Jesus taught that our speaking and living arise from out of the heart (Luke 6:43-45). We must nurture a new kind of relationship. There are two kinds of relationships seen in 1 Peter 3:9. The insult for insult relationship, and the blessing for insult relationship. Rather than react with anger that moves outward to wrath, we should respond with words and actions that are beneficial and profitable. Applying God’s Word to our marriages will promote a new pattern of relationship that refrains from evil, does good, and brings peace (1 Peter 3:9-11). A new pattern grows as we deal with our disagreements in a God-honoring manner. As we honor God, we will experience the oneness and companionship of a God-honoring marriage that displays the beauty of Christ, pointing others to His love, grace, and salvation.