Most people try to avoid conflict. In a healthy relationship, conflict is unavoidable. Pretending that everything is fine and never talking about problems, which is a form of avoiding conflict, is unhealthy for any relationship. It leaves room for bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. This gives the enemy ammunition to destroy your relationship. We don’t want to do that. Bring issues into the light so the enemy can’t use it.
Change how you view conflict. Conflict can produce growth in a relationship. It’s important to resolve conflict as soon as possible. Avoidance just makes things more difficult the longer you wait. Choose to approach the issue in a positive way, by not attacking the other person’s character or name calling. First, seek to understand before seeking to be understood. Explain how what they did or said made you feel. Allow them an opportunity to explain themselves.
God wants our relationships to flourish. Ask him for help resolving conflicts. Acknowledging our own mistakes is a form of humility, which leads to resolution. So, apologize and forgive.
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27