Six Elements for Resolving Marital Disagreements a 5-Day Devotion by Damia RolfeSample

INTRODUCTION

In a July 2022 statistic, communication difficulties ranked as the #1 reason for divorce in the United States. We can’t discuss disagreements without first discussing communication. Communication is the transmission of information to someone. Many say communication is the key or foundation of any good relationship. In its simplest form, communication comes with its issues. There can be barriers and frustrations resulting from language issues alone. Then, there are cultural aspects to consider. Once body language and tone of voice are tied into it, we can almost throw away an entire conversation that began with good intentions due to difficulties and miscommunication. A disagreement is bound to erupt even when two people speak the same language but with different meanings or understandings.

When we were in school, there were questions essential to helping us understand any topic of communication: “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and sometimes “how.” These questions were called exploratory questions. At least some of these exploratory questions come into play whenever we communicate.

Over the next six days, we’ll look at these questions from the perspective of communicating with our spouse and see how they apply to achieve a healthy resolution in a marital disagreement. But first, let’s briefly define disagreements. Simply put, a disagreement is an expression of differing views. It does not include physical touch in any way. Although it tends to become heated or loud, I pray that you will become comfortable with and regularly ask the Prince of Peace for guidance and direction regarding your marital disagreements so that they may be discussed and resolved in the healthiest way possible.

Matthew 18:20 tells us where two or three gather, God is in the midst. We can’t truly be on one accord without first gathering to communicate. Without communication, where the power to speak life into our marriage resides, our marriages become easy prey for the enemy. If Satan can disrupt or end our communication in marriage, he can create division in the primary relationship God intended to replicate in His kingdom.