Practical Tips for Fighting Fair

Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“... pray continually…”

Arguments and disagreements are a part of every relationship. They're not signs of failure but opportunities for growth. But it’s important to handle these moments with grace and patience, ensuring our actions reflect Christ's love. So, how do you fight fair, especially when you’re in the heat of the moment? You’ve got to pray.

When tensions rise, our first instinct might not always be to do what Jesus would do. That’s why pausing to pray is essential.

Pray Before: If you know you’re about to have a conversation on a sensitive topic, get ahead of the game and pray together before you even start talking. Ask God for wisdom and patience as you navigate a tricky topic.

Pray During: If you find yourselves in the middle of an argument, it's not too late to pause. Stop the conversation, take a deep breath, and pray. Ask God to calm your emotions and give you the words to speak with love. Instead of raising your voice or making accusatory statements, say something like,

• "Can we pause for a moment? I think we need to pray and ask for guidance before we continue."
• "Let's take a quick break and pray together. We need to keep our connection to each other and God more than we need to win this argument."
• "Before we say anything else, could we stop and pray? I want us to approach this conversation with love and understanding, not frustration."

While doing this might not come naturally at first — and it might also feel uncomfortable in the heat of the moment — it will make a difference.

When we stop to pray, we remind ourselves that God is with us, even in our disagreements, and that He can help us handle the situation. Prayer also has a way of calming us down, helping us approach the disagreement with a clearer mind and a softer heart. No wonder the Bible tells us to pray continually. Prayer is powerful, and it works.