Day 13: Love Fights Fair
TALK WITH YOUR SPOUSE ABOUT ESTABLISHING HEALTHY RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. IF YOUR MATE IS NOT READY FOR THIS, THEN WRITE OUT YOUR OWN PERSONAL RULES TO "FIGHT" BY. RESOLVE TO ABIDE BY THEM WHEN THE NEXT DISAGREEMENT OCCURS.
Because God created us as individuals with different interests, dreams, and personality styles, conflict is inevitable. Every couple experiences it, but not every couple survives it. No marriage is exempt from conflict, but it doesn't have to be a death sentence if we approach conflict with established guidelines and boundaries. Below are a few guidelines Dale and I use:
1. Never "discuss" issues or make major decisions when we're tired
2. Set a time to discuss later
3. Keep past issues buried
4. Agree to disagree (without bitterness)
5. Always show respect verbally (and physically)
6. Hush up and listen (God created us with two ears, one mouth - on purpose!)
7. Quitting is not an option ("D" word - not in our vocabulary). We will work it out no matter what.
Couples who understand and work through conflict can actually enjoy a deeper connection and grow closer in the process. Remember, love is worth fighting for.
VERSE FOR TODAY'S DARE: "If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand" (Mark 3:25).
THOUGHT FOR TODAY'S DARE: It's how you handle conflict that determines if your marriage will survive it. Fight fair - fight for your marriage.
Blessings for an "outstanding" marriage today,
Dale and Susan Crook
(Want to take it a step further? Purchase the “Love Dare” book by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick for additional information and to record your results.)
