So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.
Romans 14:19 (AMPC)
Do you ever feel like running away from it all?
Sometimes when there’s strain and tension in our relationships, it can feel almost unbearable. Home becomes a battle ground, and if you’re someone who hates conflict, you might start to dread walking through the door.
The trouble is, when we avoid conflict the problem just gets worse. Resentment builds. Before long, a problem that could have been resolved becomes much harder to deal with.
If you tend to avoid conflict, intentionally bringing up the issues that bother you might feel wrong at first. You’ll talk yourself out of doing it, trying to convince yourself that it’s not that bad or that it’ll go away if you just leave it alone for long enough. But chances are it won’t.
Bringing up the source of tension doesn’t have to mean you’re declaring war. If you stay open to the other person’s point of view and ask a lot of questions, you’ll find that you can often get to the bottom of the tension without a big blow out.
That being said, some people seem to thrive on conflict. You may need to explain to them that if things escalate, you’ll walk away, returning to the conversation only when things are more calm. And if that doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to involve a third party (such as a counselor, mediator or your pastor) to help you come to a resolution.
If you are experiencing tension in a relationship, talk about it. It might be uncomfortable, but in the end you’ll find the relationship you build is well worth it.