Q: Do you always know how to solve a problem in your family?
A: We wish we could say that we know all the answers whenever a problem arises in our own family, but we don’t. However, there is Someone who does know the answers, and that’s why we spend a lot of time talking to Him. Actually God is much better at solving problems than we are.
We have found that when we do have a misunderstanding or problem, one of the most helpful things is a family meeting. We come together and let everyone calmly share their views or feelings, and then we work together on a solution. We try to make it a situation in which everybody comes away with some degree of satisfaction. But each family member must be willing to compromise, or give, as well. And of course, prayer is always an important part of the problem-solving process.
Whenever people live or work together, some conflict will arise, no matter how much they love or care about one another. Everybody is different and has his or her own unique views and personality. And because we are growing Christians, we all still have a few «rough edges» on our characters that can cause snags in our relationships. The important thing is knowing how to deal with conflict when it arises. An old saying goes, «It’s OK to disagree, but not to be disagreeable.» In other words, by following biblical principles, we can work out family differences in a loving and peaceful manner, even if everybody doesn’t see eye-to-eye.