Are you experiencing a conflict where you are winning the argument, but potentially losing a valued relationship? Perhaps, it’s time to consider how to accommodate the other person. Proverbs provides four scenarios when we should accommodate our counterpart in conflict.

First, we accommodate another’s interest when we are wrong. Second, we accommodate when the issue is of greater importance to the other person involved. Third, we accommodate when confronting might bring irreparable damage.

Fourth, we accommodate when the relationship is of greater value than our personal stakes. Frequently, the maintenance of a relationship is much more important than what we lose by accommodating another person. At that point, we should accommodate. Proverbs says:“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but however repeats the matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9).

If confrontation will likely bring about irreparable damage to the other person involved, to others, or to ourselves, then we should consider accommodating.

Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and behavior. Would you rather win the relationship or win the argument? If so, simply ask the person with whom you are in conflict, “What can I do to accommodate you?”

Episode 72: Wisdom in Conflict Management Styles from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.