The podcast explores the benefits of embracing conflict and finding redemption. The speakers discuss the impact of upbringing on approaches to conflict and how their Christian faith has transformed their perspective. They share personal struggles and experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing conflict for personal growth. The chapter also discusses navigating conflict and handling relationships with discernment and sensitivity.
Embracing conflict can lead to positive outcomes and should not be avoided in relationships.
Approaching conflict with love, gentleness, respect, and empathy can foster growth and resolution in relationships.
Deep dives
Embracing conflict and the significance of conflict
Embracing conflict means confronting or challenging things that are perceived as wrong in order to seek peace and reconciliation. Conflict is seen as an opportunity for growth and resolution. It involves coming against someone with whom there is a disagreement, with the aim of stopping harmful behavior and fostering reconciliation.
The challenge of embracing conflict
Embracing conflict may seem counterintuitive as conflict is often seen as negative, associated with arguments and disagreements. However, embracing conflict means recognizing that it can be redemptive and lead to positive outcomes. Conflicts are inevitable in relationships and avoiding conflict can lead to passivity or naivety.
Why people fear conflict
Many people fear conflict due to personality traits or past experiences. Some individuals have a natural aversion to conflict, while others may have experienced bullying or mistreatment, leading them to avoid confrontation. Anxiety and discomfort can arise from the anticipation of difficult conversations or the fear of being perceived as weak.
The importance of addressing conflict with love and mindfulness
Embracing conflict should be done with love for others and a desire for growth and resolution. Approaching conflict with gentleness, respect, and empathy can lead to better outcomes and prevent further damage to relationships. Understanding the other person and considering how they may receive our words can lead to healthier and more fruitful conversations.
Every relationship we will ever have will at some point have some conflict. Whether it's with our partners, our friends, our co-workers, and our kids, the hard situations that will arise are inevitable but even then, they don't have to be avoided. And they shouldn't. In this podcast, Preston and Jackie talk through their different styles of embracing conflict and how they've learned and are learning to see that as Christians, conflict really can be a good thing.