Ever tried to disagree with someone who is absolutely convinced they are right? It is exhausting, isn't it? And if we are honest, we have all been that person at some point.
In this week's livestream, Matt Edmundson tackles conflict in relationships - not just marriage, but friendships, work, and increasingly in our everyday interactions. He explores why we have moved from disagreeing with ideas to fundamentally hating people, and how Christians can demonstrate that another way is possible.
Matt identifies two camps most of us fall into: the Winners who must be right at any cost, and the Avoiders who keep peace but lose intimacy. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he unpacks six biblical principles that transform how we handle disagreement - from complete transparency to dealing with anger quickly, watching our words, getting rid of bitterness, being genuinely kind, and remembering how much we have been forgiven.
You will hear vulnerable stories about Matt's own journey learning to value relationships over being right, plus practical wisdom from Conversation Street on handling phone addiction, political differences, and the modern excuse of we are just not compatible.
Matt opens with a challenging observation: we are living in extraordinary times where we no longer just disagree with ideas - we fundamentally hate people. It is called affective polarisation.
James says everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. But we have completely flipped that script. We are quick to speak, slow to listen, and really, really quick to become angry.
What we explore:
Key takeaway: If you have already decided you are right before the conversation starts, you are not having a conversation - you are delivering a verdict.
Matt explores the first camp - those who approach every disagreement like a battle that must be won with facts, logic and evidence.
You might win the argument completely, but something breaks between you. Your logic might be airtight, but you have lost the person. You are right, but you are alone.
Honest insights from Matt's business experience:
Key takeaway: In marriage especially, you may gain the argument but lose the person when winning becomes your goal.
The second camp avoids conflict entirely - do not rock the boat, keep things pleasant, peace at any cost.
While you are avoiding the conflict, you are also preventing the connection. The things that matter most go unspoken. Hurt and resentment build quietly, like mould behind a wall you cannot see until the damage is catastrophic.
What happens when we avoid:
Key takeaway: Biblical love does not demand you win, but it also does not allow you to hide.
