Peacemaking

[Jenni Biegler]

One of the best resources that I've seen on Resolving Conflict is a book by Ken Sande, "The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict"   Baker Books (2004).

 

In his book, Ken elaborates on how the following principles can lead to conflict resolution.  The following is from the "Peacemaker's Pledge"

 

Glorify God

 

Instead of focusing on our own desires or dwelling on what others may do, we will rejoice in the Lord and bring him praise by depending on his forgiveness, wisdom, power, and love as we seek to faithfully obey his commands and maintain a loving, merciful, and forgiving attitude. (Ps. 37:1-6; Mark 11:25; John 14:15; Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4; James 3:17-18; 4:1-3; 1 Peter 2:12).

 

Get the Log Out of Your Own Eye

 

Instead of blaming others for a conflict or resisting correction, we will trust in God's mercy and take responsibility for our own contribution to conflicts--confessing our sins to those we have wronged, asking God to help us change any attitudes and habits that lead to conflict, and seeking to repair any harm we have caused. (Prov. 28:13; Matt. 7:3-5; Luke 19:8; Col. 3:5-14; 1 John 1:8-9)

 

Gently Restore

 

Instead of pretending that conflict doesn't exist or talking about others behind their backs, we will overlook minor offenses or we will talk personally and graciously with those whose offenses seem too serious to overlook, seeking to restore them rather than condemn them.  When a conflict with a Christian brother or sister cannot be resolved in private, we will ask others in the body of Christ to help us settle the matter in a biblical manner (Prov. 19:11; Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. 6:1-2; Eph. 4:29; 2Tim. 2:24-26; James 5:9).

 

Go and Be Reconciled

 

Instead of accepting permature compromise or allowing relationships to wither, we will actively pursue peace and reconciliation--forgiving others as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven us, and seeking just and mutually beneficial solutions to our differences (Mt. 5:23-24; 6:12; 7:12; Eph. 4:1-3, 32; Phil. 2:3-4).

 

There are DVD's and workbooks on this material that can be used in small groups.  For more info. checkout Peacemakers International on the web.

[Norman Vaughn]

This is great info, thanks! I've frequently used the materials found at http://www.peacemaker.net . I'm especially fond of the "Slippery Slope" that shows the different peacemaking responses.

[Jenni Biegler]

Do you subscribe to their e-newsletter? Ken Sande was recently in Cape Town for the Lausanne Congress and had some great reports that he shared about his time there---made me wish I were there.

Norman Vaughn said:

This is great info, thanks! I've frequently used the materials found at http://www.peacemaker.net . I'm especially fond of the "Slippery Slope" that shows the different peacemaking responses.