If you follow this blog, you may remember that at the beginning of the month, I didn't have a theme in mind. I said that maybe in time God would reveal one, and He has! Much of what I've been reading has to do with conflict resolution -- or maybe, why can't we all just get along? This is certainly an issue in our country, our congregations and even our families. Here are some things I've found interesting and helpful.
Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg — Book Review introduced me to the idea of Judging Favorably -- giving others the benefit of the doubt. Only God can know our hearts and the true motivation for our actions.
In God's Gifted People by Gary L. Harbaugh — Book Review, author Gary Harbaugh reminds us that differing personalities can cause conflict. Learning to understand and appreciate the gifts of each type (as defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) can help us be more tolerant, balanced, and less likely to take offense. He stresses cooperation rather than competition.
When Christians Disagree by Tim Cooper — Book Review tells the story of two famous Christians, John Owen and Richard Baxter. Despite having many things in common, they could not get along or work amicably together. The author believes that their strong personalities, differing backgrounds and experiences, and pride led them to a place where they were unable to reconcile. Part of the problem was the fact that both published their disagreements in print, while face to face meetings and mediation might have ended in a different result. In the conclusion the author discusses conflict resolution, with advice that applies to all of us.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught by Neta Jackson — Book Review. As with all the books in this series, this fifth installment addresses all sorts of conflicts. The prayer group described in the novels is diverse in culture, race, background and Christian denominations, fertile soil for misunderstandings (but also spiritual growth). To most of the issues that arise, prayer is the answer -- and that's certainly a good one!
And finally, in Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer — Book Review Phylicia Masonheimer suggests that theological issues be categorized. Some point to false teaching or heresy, while others are differences in practice that need not divide us as Christian brothers and sisters. Too often we turn preferences into laws.
For more about getting along with others see these posts:
Relationships! Relationships! Relationships!
Godly Relationships
Servant Relationships
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