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Interview of Rick Love, the author of
Peacemaking: Resolving Conflict,
Restoring and Building Harmony in Relationships
Love’s detailed Scriptural study of
peacemaking describes Jesus’ keys to conflict resolution
and harmonious relationships. It equips church planters
and church leaders to understand and embrace Jesus’ way
of developing God-honoring, satisfying relationships.
Here is a powerful resource for anyone who wants to make
a difference in a world of conflict, broken
relationships, and pain.
Q: Why
did you write Peacemaking?
A:
This book grew out of my personal and painful pilgrimage
as a peacemaker during the past 30 years. I have had the
privilege of studying under some of the best theologians
and missiologists in America. Yet no one prepared me for
peacemaking. This was something I had to learn the hard
way—on the job. It has been one of the most difficult
lessons I have learned in my roles as family man,
pastor, team leader, church planter and CEO.
Q:
What is unique about your book on peacemaking?
A:
I have written this book as an inductive Bible study
guide for use by individuals or small groups. I realize
that this is not a popular format, but I believe it is
the best format to equip peacemakers. Peacemaking
demands biblical convictions about Jesus’ way of making
peace. And Jesus’ way of making peace often goes against
the grain of our relational patterns. My experience has
been that inductive Bible study is one of the best ways
of developing biblical convictions and learning new
relational habits.
Q: Why
is peacemaking important for cross-cultural workers?
A:
Fulfilling the great commission is a relational task –
demanding skilled peacemakers. I like to summarize it
like this: The family is a community. The church is a
community. There is no community without peacemaking.
Therefore, peacemaking is central to family, church
planting and church life.
Q: Any
other reflections about peacemaking?
A:
We live in an age when many assume the world is locked
into inevitable clashes of civilizations, such as
between the West and the Muslim world. Destructive
racial divides remain unabated. I believe that Jesus
founded a peace movement and that the church is called
to be a peace institute. When we make peace we walk in
his blessing. Peacemaking is possible! I hope to write
another book about peacemaking in the near future,
especially as it relates to Muslim-Christian
relationships. Stay tuned!
Click Here for Peacemaking: Resolving Conflict,
Restoring and Building Harmony in Relationships
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