The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
Overview
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” But it often seems like conflict and disagreement are unavoidable. Serious, divisive conflict is everywhere—within families, in the church, and out in the world. And it can seem impossible to overcome its negative force in our lives.
In The Peacemaker, Ken Sande presents a comprehensive and practical theology for conflict resolution designed to bring about not only a cease-fire but also unity and harmony. Sande takes readers beyond resolving conflicts to true, life-changing reconciliation with family members, coworkers, and fellow believers.
Biblically based, The Peacemaker is full of godly wisdom and useful suggestions that are easily applied to any relationship needing reconciliation. Sande’s years of experience as an attorney and as president of Peacemaker Ministries will strengthen readers’ confidence as they stand in the gap as peacemakers.
The Logos Bible Software edition of this volume is designed to encourage and stimulate your understanding of conflict resolution. Scripture passages link directly to your English translations, and important concepts link to the dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library.
Key Features
- Provides practical and biblical tips for conflict resolution
- Addresses various types of conflicts and how to resolve them
- Emphasizes harmony and unity
Contents
- Glorify God
- Conflict Provides Opportunities
- Live at Peace
- Trust in the Lord and Do Good
- Get the Log Out of Your Eye
- Is This Really Worth Fighting Over?
- Conflict Starts in the Heart
- Confession Brings Freedom
- Gently Restore
- Just between the Two of You
- Speak the Truth in Love
- Take One or Two Others Along
- Go and Be Reconciled
- Forgive as God Forgave You
- Look Also to the Interests of Others
- Overcome Evil with Good
- The Peacemaker’s Pledge
Top Highlights
“Let’s begin our discussion by defining conflict as a difference in opinion or purpose that frustrates someone’s goals or desires.” (Page 29)
“Overlooking offenses is appropriate under two conditions. First, the offense should not have created a wall between you and the other person or caused you to feel differently toward him or her for more than a short period of time. Second, the offense should not be causing serious harm to God’s reputation, to others, or to the offender.” (Page 83)
“If you want to stay on top of this slippery slope, you need to do two things. First, ask God to help you resist the natural inclination to escape or attack when faced with conflict. Second, ask him to help you develop the ability to live out the gospel by using the peacemaking response that is best suited to resolving a particular conflict.” (Page 23)
“When someone mistreats or opposes us, our instinctive reaction is to justify ourselves and do everything we can to get our way. This selfish attitude usually leads to impulsive decisions that only make matters worse.” (Page 20)
“Focusing on God is the key to resolving conflict constructively. When we remember his mercy and draw on his strength, we invariably see things more clearly and respond to conflict more wisely.” (Page 20)
Praise for the Print Edition
‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ said Jesus. With crystal clarity this manual lays before us the wisdom that leads humble souls into that blessing.
—J.I. Packer, Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College
Of people alive and writing today, I know of no more reliable guide for peacemaking in church and family than Ken Sande.
—John Piper, associate pastor for preaching and vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church
The Peacemaker is a practical and faithful primer for how obedience to God’s Word can change deadlock into restoration in families, churches, workplaces, neighborhoods, and even prisons.
—Charles W. Colson, founder, Prison Fellowship
Ken Sande challenges us to act redemptively in a culture of enmity and shows us how to do this in our relationships with one another. A modern classic!
—Timothy George, executive editor, Christianity Today
The Peacemaker is a rich source of practical, biblical guidance for resolving every type of conflict.
—Tony Evans, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Church
It is the sort of book that will remind every Christian reader that God, before all, is in the business of reconciliation, and that the servant is not greater than the master.
—D. James Kennedy, pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
The best guidebook I’ve ever seen on how Christians should resolve conflicts. Every pastor ought to read this book and share it with the leaders of the church. It ought to be a textbook in every Bible school and seminary.
—Warren Wiersbe, author, Be Series
When The Peacemaker was first published in 1991, it set the standard for biblical, God-honoring conflict resolution. Now in its third edition, [it] freshly presents the fruit of [Sande’s] 20-plus years of faithful conflict resolution ministry within the Christian community. The choicest of that fruit is to be found in chapters 5 through 7, which have been updated and reworked, as well as a new appendix on how to create a ‘culture of peace’ in the local church. Here you will find a theology of conflict resolution even richer than that presented in the previous editions. . . . he illustrates with fresh examples of resolving conflict in the family, church, and workplace. . . . provides additional helpful insights into how we can gently and lovingly help others see their part in conflict situations and lead them to forgiveness and reconciliation. . . . the new appendix on developing a ‘culture of peace’ is an article that every church and Christian should read and heed if they want to be blessed. I highly recommend this ‘new and improved’ version as a staple in the theological arsenal of every believer, particularly those in church and ministry leadership.
—Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife
Product Details
- Title: The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
- Author: Ken Sande
- Edition: 3rd
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 2006
- Pages: 320
- Resource Type: Counseling
- Topic: Pastoral Care and Counseling
