Use These Conflict Tools to Cultivate Christlike Relationships

A recent episode of Start Small Believe Big on the Charisma Podcast Network highlights the Proverbs 27:17 message of viewing relationships as ironing sharpening iron. Throughout their three-decade marriage, Billie and Dave Jauss have learned a thing or two about growing pains in relationships. But especially in times of conflict, Dave says “we have a responsibility” to bring counsel to the ones we are closest to. This is just one way the two have seen their marriage strengthened.

In certain relationships, counsel is a one-way street. Billie says “you wouldn’t give advice back to a counselor” to whom you go for therapy, because that’s not the kind of relationship you’re supposed to have. However, when a relationship is a two-way street, Billie and Dave say “vulnerability, transparency and trust are built through encouraging each other in hope and kindness.” Both have an equal part to play in making their relationship more Christlike.

It takes patience and courage to build that kind of trust. Billie says even though they’ve been married over 31 years now, “We continue to stumble over advice. We continue to make mistakes in the way that we speak to one another.” But just because they stumble doesn’t mean that it’s not worth it.

For more guidance on how you can strengthen the relationships in your life using these tools, listen to the full episode here. {eoa}