Five Ways People React to Conflict
People react to conflict based on their culture, their nature, and the examples they
have seen. Most people react to conflict in one of five ways.
My way. This person feels that his way is the only way. He keeps pushing until he gets his way or until the other person gets out of the way.
No way. This person ignores the problem. Nothing is solved because he walks away from the conflict.
Your way. This person wants the other person to be happy. He wants peace or approval so much that he always submits to the other person. This way can be peaceful, for a time, but it is also frustrating.
Half way. This person gives up some things, part of the time. Each person gets some of what he wants. But he also loses some of what he wants.
Our way. This couple works out problems together. They care about solving problems. But they also care about each other and their marriage. They want each person to be satisfied with the solution. And they each view their spouse as more important than
their own personal needs.
In which of the five ways do you respond to conflict? Can you improve? People can change their responses to conflict. They can learn new responses if their ways are not as wise as they desire. God wants us to be at peace with each other. We are to be reconciled with God and with people (Matt. 5:23-24). Paul tells us to protect the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). A good response to conflict enables us to live at peace within marriage.