Conflict...it's something we all come up against and many of us shy away from it as soon as there is any hint of it. We forget that disagreement itself is not bad; as people we are not always going to agree on everything. Then we throw in some misplaced expectations and some big emotions and conflict can suddenly move from a natural part of a relationship to something destructive. We can quickly move into unhealthy patterns and hurtful words, actions, or tones...and this is why we shy away.

But our guest Donna Jones, reassures us that conflict doesn't have to be awful. In fact healthy conflict is actually possible! Through listening with intent to understand, deciding what is ours to carry and taking responsibility for that, and recognizing how our personality responds to potential conflict, we can approach conflict with confidence rather than fear. We can talk about the problem at hand rather than each other. We can work toward common ground while believing the best in each other.

Conflict is unavoidable. Let's not make it terrible. Let's decide to face disagreement, knowing we can be respectful and kind with intention.

FIND OUT ABOUT DONNA JONES

Website: Donna Jones

Instagram: donnaajones

Donna Jones Book: Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life

A FEW THINGS MENTIONED

James 1:19

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

-Do you tend to push into conflict? Or pull away from it? How has your personality impacted how you view conflict?

-Who can you listen to this week with the intent of better understanding this person?

-Are there things you are carrying that you shouldn't be?

-How can you take responsibility for what is yours to own in a conflict? And allow others to carry what is theirs?