Proverbs 21verse9 ‘It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.’

Conflicts or contentions are bound to happen in Marriage, but how you manage or handle them matters. This is why this series of teachings is coming your way today! As you can see from our Text Scripture (Proverbs 21v9), living with a contentious woman or wife is not a good thing. This is why the writer of the book advises that it’s far better to stay in the corner of the housetop than staying with a contentious woman. This does not only apply to the wife because it’s possible to also have a contentious husband (See Colossians 3v19). So, the husband or wife could be contentious in nature. However, the primary focus of our discussion is to look at how to effectively resolve issues among ourselves as husbands and wives. And for the purpose of these lessons, I will be focusing on the things we need to avoid if we will successfully resolve our conflicts. But before I begin to share these things with us, I would like us to consider some of the common areas of conflicts in marriage.

COMMON AREAS OF CONFLICTS:

1. Money. This ranges from lack or use of money, perspectives about money, what to spend money on and how to save money to mention a few.

2. Children. This ranges from raising them, parenting styles, having them or not and challenges with getting pregnant.

3. Sex. Issues around sex can include intimacy, the frequency of it and romance to just mention a few. Pro5v18-20.

4. Time .i.e., Quality time, how we spend our time etc.

5. Housework. i.e., chores, responsibilities etc.

6. Extended Family. I.e. In-laws

7. Communication Problems.

8. Technology and Social Media.

9. Infidelity Issues i.e., Physical and emotional.

10. Unforgiveness i.e., Bitterness, Resentments, Jealousy, etc.

11. Stress

12. Work

13. Selfishness

14. Personality Differences

15. Bad Habits and Behaviour

16. Religion (Values and Beliefs)

17. Control or Dominance

18. Trust Issues

19. Anger Issues

20. Respect Issues

These are just some of the common areas of conflicts in Marriage that have been identified by experts over time. I pray that as we go through these Series, Jehovah will open your eyes on how to bring peace and harmony to your home in Jesus name amen.

Other Scriptural References: Pro25v24; 1Cor10v13; Pro10v12; 1Pet4v8.

Prayer for Today: Holy Spirit, help me in achieving and maintaining peace in my home all the days of my life in Jesus name amen.

CONFESSION: I say no to any form of contention and bickering in my house. I refuse to give place to Satan in my home! I chose to be a peacemaker and I will strive to walk in peace by his help and assistance. So help me precious Holy Spirit!