A Prayer for Navigating Relationship Conflicts
By Amanda Idleman
Bible Reading
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
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When we need wisdom on how to find peace, there is one place we can look to find the answers. We can look to Jesus. He gives us instructions on how to act so we can have quiet, simple lives. It’s not always easy, but it is possible to find the grace to muddle through conflicts that inevitably come up in our relationships. A hard truth we have to surrender to when bringing our relationships to Jesus is that he is the only one who can change our hearts.
As much as we often want to push and prod someone we love into changing, repenting, or forgiving us, that's not our job. Our role is to be the best example of God’s love and truth possible. We have to be responsible for ourselves and our role in the lives of others. We place boundaries when necessary, say sorry often, and show grace when we can. The best way we can encourage peace in our relationships when the change needed is not dependent on our own actions is through prayer. Bringing the need we see before the Lord is the best way to gather the power, understanding, compassion, and self-control required to see a breakthrough in a situation.
Two years ago, my husband and I were near the end of ourselves, ready to give up. I knew there was nothing I could do to change him or change our hearts in order to mend the gap that had grown between us. One thing that carried us through our season of hurt and into a season of healing was the choice to pray nightly together. Somehow, this small act changed our hearts and worked to push us closer than we had been in a long time. It’s hard to stay mad at someone you pray with and pray for because you start to see them the way God does, with true love and grace.
When we need insight on how to move forward, prayer and counsel are the best steps we can take to find it. During this tough season in our marriage, we also began individual and couples counseling with Christian counselors. Sometimes, we need the faith-filled eyes of someone else who is willing to walk with us through the mess to find our way to safer and sweeter ground. An outside view of your situation can shed light on the blind spots we all have when big emotions are involved. Don’t stay in the dark place of conflict alone. Bring trusted people into your situation to help bring accountability, safety, wise counsel, prayer, and encouragement!
God is our great healer. He is able and willing to heal our broken hearts so we can find peace in this troubled world. Sometimes, this healing requires a great deal of grace and a surprising amount of surrender. During those scary moments when we aren't sure how to find a resolution, we can cling to Jesus and stand on his promises. He desires to set us free from our conflicts so we can experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Let's Pray
Dear God, I am stuck in the dark right now in my relationship. I feel defeated by the negativity that this conflict has brought into my life. Grant me the wisdom I need to walk towards your peace and away from the turbulence of conflict. I pray that you would show me the places I need to grow in truth and love. Would you soften the hearts of everyone involved in this conflict? Bring healthy boundaries, habits, and healing wherever possible. Help me seek out wise council accountability for this situation. May your grace be present every day in my life. Amen.
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