THE PEACEMAKER
by Ken Sande
Baker Book House, 281 pages, $14.99

Personal conflict is inevitable. It’s one of those things that can go on the list with death and taxes. Yet why, how, and when we bring resolution to the certain discords of life and personalities in a way that honors Christ is the commanding emphasis of Ken Sande’s book.

The Peacemaker is not a new book (although its current, second edition is relatively new), but it’s one that has been taken from my bookshelf time and time again over the years. It’s one that has been a great asset to me, not only in working in the area of apologetics and related counseling, but in my role and leadership of my own church family. It’s a work that goes well beyond helpfulness and practicality because of its biblical framework. It’s a volume that needs wider exposure, that needs to be read and digested, that needs to be applied.

Sande’s is not a handbook to use as a battering ram to set others straight or to gain moral conquest over an opponent under the guise of being “biblical.” From the start, he calls for a personal examination before resolving the conflict. Far too often a “self-absorbed attitude usually leads to further problems,” Sande writes. Not only are there actions the accused must follow to bring about godly resolution, but the accuser is also scripturally bound to certain responsibilities. Sande clearly and systematically develops the biblical principles involved for both parties.

The book is flavored with helpful and easy-to-remember guidelines, such as the four “G’s” of “approach” of the conflict and the seven “A’s” of the “response” to the conflict. Illustrations and examples are used and most chapters conclude with a “Summary and Application” list of questions to apply that which has been presented. Topic and Scripture indexes, as well as a good bibliography, further enhance the book.

From minor disagreements to major conflicts that have escalated into legal circles, Sande has most all the bases covered. I dare say this is the definitive work for the Christian providing solid biblical answers and actions on the topic of conflict resolution. It is a book not only for church leaders and apologists, but for every Christian. It is one not just for a bookshelf, but to be employed to the glory of God.

—MKG

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