Home 1. Chose one activity 2. Top one-two things that cause conflict 3. Your typical role: turtle or shark

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice. Philippians 1:15-18

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:2-4

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1-2

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT DEFINE the problem The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT INITIATE a time to talk The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT FOCUS on perceived problem An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. Proverbs 18:19

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT FEEL their pain A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT UNCOVER the real problem The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT SET things right between you Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

‘DIFFUSE’ CONFLICT ESTABLISH an action plan Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22-25

Home Chose 1 activity “Things for Couples to Do” Use ‘DIFFUSE’ technique: DEFINE problem INITIATE talk time FOCUS on perceived problem FEEL their pain UNCOVER real problem SET things right ESTABLISH action plan