A Purpose Driven Life Chapter 20 - Restoring Broken Fellowship
Chapter Overview: Being a peacemaker is different than avoiding conflict. Sometimes confrontation is required for true and healthy fellowship. But peacemaking is also not about appeasement (being a doormat). Rick outlines 7 biblical steps to restoring broken fellowship
1. Talk to God first before talking to the person
2. Always take the initiative
3. Sympathize with their feelings (whether they are right or wrong doesn't matter - really listen to them) ...
2011 (40 years old)
Sheldon spoke today on circles of influence and the passage he used was in Job - specifically around chapter 32 when Elihu the younger gets involved in the discussion. He was the only one who actually listened to Job and responded specifically to what Job said. Then in Luke 2 with Jesus in the temple as a 12 year old, it was the same thing, Jesus listened and asked questions. Listening is key.
4. Confess your part of the conflict
5. Attack the problem, no the person
6. Cooperate as much as possible
7. Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution - reconciliation focuses on the relationship, resolution focuses on the problem. I think sometimes at work, people don't realize how focusing on the relationship can really make a huge difference in getting a resolution to the problem.
2016 (45 years old)
Relationships are always worth restoring. Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today? There was a lot of stuff I could work on in this chapter. Sigh. I've heard a lot about 'send Judah first' (worship first) but Jesus said that if you remember a neighbour who has a grudge against you, leave your sacrifice at the altar and get right with them. Restoration before worship. Blessed are the peacemakers... who make peace! Not who love peace. Not those who avoid conflict. I don't like confrontations.
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