Pursuing Peace
As you read this book,
may your mind be renewed, and your heart be geared towards reconciliation, filling your relationships with peace, harmony, and serenity.
May this book be a catalyst for transformation, guiding you and your loved ones towards stronger, more loving connections,
and may God’s peace be the foundation on which you build.
Reviewer: David Oletu (DCM)
Book Title: Pursuing Peace: A Christian Guide to Handling Our Conflicts
Book Author: Robert D. Jones
Publisher: Crossway; 1st edition (July 31, 2012)
Pages: 208
ISBN-10: 9781433530135
ISBN-13: 978-1433530135
Pursuing Peace
John 16:33 KJV
[33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
According to Robert Jones, ‘Relationships wither without peace.’
While no relationship is immune to conflict, prioritising peace is crucial to preserving harmony.
In a world plagued by hardship, chaos, and conflict, Jones’ ‘Pursuing Peace’ is a timely reminder that nurturing peace is essential to salvaging our relationships.
As the bonds of good relationships hang in the balance, this book offers a vital guide for reconciliation and harmony.”
Jones states:
“We long to grow relationships marked by trust and joy and goodwill and honesty,
but as we pursue these, we find patches and unreconciled conflict underneath.
Few maladies plague our lives more than relational conflict.
Whether in our homes, our workplaces, our schools, or even our churches, tensions continue, and disputes quickly sprout.
Conflict happens in every relationship:
husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister, supervisor and employee, church member and church member—
the list goes on.”
However, to break away from such conflict,
we need to be honest enough to admit that it’s a conflict, and we must be humble and desperate enough to seek help.
Some relationships are too precious to lose. When we lose them, we miss out on invaluable connections and opportunities.
Robert Jones’ ‘Pursuing Peace’ offers a lifeline for these relationships.
Through 12 chapters rooted in the absolute authority and power of God’s word,
this book provides a step-by-step guide on how to pursue peace in all relationships and help others navigate conflicts and find harmony.
Pursuing Peace
In Chapter 1, Robert Jones identifies God as the source of peace,
highlighting His peace-making work as revealed in the book of Romans.
Through this biblical lens, we see God as the God who initiates peace with humanity through the cross,
the God who pours out His inner peace upon and within us, Also, the God who guarantees our future peace,
and the God who calls and empowers us to pursue relational peace with all people.
By exploring God’s character and actions in Romans,
Jones lays a foundational understanding of peace as a divine attribute and a central aspect of our relationship with God and others.
Chapter 2 offers a biblical perspective on conflicts,
viewing them from God’s vantage point. Robert Jones acknowledges that conflicts are:
Inevitable—a natural part of human relationships
Sinful—often rooted in selfish desires and actions
Opportunities—for spiritual growth, not just for ourselves but also for others involved.
In this chapter, Jones delves into how conflicts can be a catalyst for spiritual growth,
exploring the ways in which God can use these challenging situations to refine and transform us.
Chapter 3 outlines the path to peacemaking,
beginning with a foundational commitment to please God in all circumstances, including conflicts.
Robert Jones emphasises that this commitment arises from a response to God’s saving grace and becomes a conscious pursuit in our lives.
By making pleasing God our ultimate goal, we lay the groundwork for effective peacemaking,
and create an environment conducive to resolving conflicts in a way that honours Him.
Chapters 4-6 explore the vital role of repentance in the peacemaking process.
Robert Jones provides a thorough examination of what it means to truly repent, including:
– Humble identification of our sins, acknowledging our wrongdoings, and taking responsibility
– Repentance of both ‘heart sins’ (motivations, attitudes, and desires) and ‘behavioural sins’ (actions and words)
– Confession of our sins to both God and others, promoting transparency, accountability, and healing
Through these chapters, Jones emphasises the importance of genuine repentance in reconciling relationships and finding peace,
highlighting that true repentance is a necessary step towards forgiveness, restoration, and growth.
Pursuing Peace
Chapter 7 marks a pivotal shift in the book as Robert Jones explores the transformative power of love in conflicts.
He delves into what it means to genuinely love those with whom we have disagreements,
outlining key attitudes and relational graces essential for peaceful resolution.
Jones highlights the importance of adopting a loving posture towards others, characterised by:
– Empathy
– Forbearance
– Patience
– Kindness
– Humility
– Gentleness
– Christlike Forgiveness
By embracing these qualities, we create an environment conducive to reconciliation, allowing peace to reign in our relationships.
Jones’ guidance in this chapter equips readers to navigate conflicts with a loving heart,
paving the way for deeper connections and more meaningful relationships.
Chapters 8-9 delve into the complex and crucial topic of forgiveness,
first looking at God’s forgiveness of us and then our forgiveness of others.
Robert Jones distinguishes between two types of forgiveness:
– Attitudinal (unconditional) forgiveness: a heart attitude that releases the other person from our judgement and anger
– Repentance-based forgiveness: a response to the other person’s acknowledgement and repentance of their wrongdoing
In these chapters, Jones also addresses the challenging issue of bitterness, providing insights on how we can battle bitterness by grace.
By exploring the depths of forgiveness, Jones equips readers to break free from the shackles of bitterness and resentment,
creating space for peace, healing, and reconciliation in their relationships.
Chapters 10–12 offer practical guidance on navigating complex situations in the pursuit of peace and reconciliation.
Chapter 10 tackles the often-neglected practice of rebuke, providing answers to crucial questions:
– When to rebuke
– How to rebuke in a loving manner
– Why rebuke is necessary
– What if the other person resists or responds poorly?
Pursuing Peace
Chapter 11 focuses on strengthening reconciled relationships, exploring:
– Effective communication principles
– Joint decision-making strategies for navigating disagreements and building trust and understanding
Chapter 12 addresses the challenging scenario of relating to someone who refuses reconciliation, offering counsel on:
– How to minister God’s grace in difficult situations
– Maintaining a loving stance towards those who harden their hearts
– Finding peace and release when reconciliation is not possible
These final chapters equip readers with practical wisdom for navigating complex relational dynamics,
ensuring that the pursuit of peace and reconciliation is marked by love, grace, and wisdom.
Pursuing Peace
Below are some compact reviews of the book from prominent Christian leaders and authorities:
David Powlison, Senior Editor of the Journal of Biblical Counselling, praises ‘Pursuing Peace’ as a timely and timeless guide for navigating interpersonal conflict.
He notes that conflict can create chaos and confusion, but Robert Jones’ book offers a wise and balanced path forward, marked by biblical insight and grace.
Powlison recommends that readers approach the book with intentionality, absorbing its lessons slowly and deliberately,
suggesting a twelve-week study to fully benefit from its wisdom.
He emphasises that every counsellor and struggler (and we are all strugglers in this area) will benefit from Jones’ judicious and comprehensive exploration of peacemaking.
Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries, commends ‘Pursuing Peace’ for its unique contribution to the field of conflict resolution.
Recognising that conflict comes in many forms, Sande appreciates the diverse perspectives and insights offered by Robert Jones,
drawn from his extensive experience in pastoral counselling.
Sande expresses delight in seeing Jones bring his expertise to bear on the subject of peacemaking,
providing a fresh and grace-filled approach that remains grounded in the gospel.
Thom S. Rainer, President and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, praises ‘Pursuing Peace’ as a timely resource for navigating conflict and promoting unity in a divided society.
Rainer notes that, in an era marked by polarisation and division, Robert Jones offers a scripturally sound and practical guide for experiencing peace.
He recommends the book for:
– Those dealing with conflict in any area of life.
– Anyone seeking to understand how to interact with others in ways that please God.
Rainer believes that Robert Jones’ ‘Pursuing Peace’ makes a valuable contribution to the cultural conversation,
providing a much-needed antidote to the prevailing ‘us versus them’ mentality.
He sees the book as a helpful tool for cultivating a more harmonious and God-honouring approach to relationships and conflict resolution.
Walter C. Kaiser Jr., President Emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, wholeheartedly endorses ‘Pursuing Peace’ as a “most profitable and sound” book.
He lamentably notes that the message and advice within are desperately needed among believers, indicating a desire for greater unity and peace within the church.
Kaiser urges Christian leaders to read the book and discuss it as a guide for maintaining peace in the church.
He believes that doing so will save unnecessary grief and headaches and preserve the joy of the Lord.
Kaiser’s endorsement emphasises the book’s:
– Timeliness and relevance to the church
– Practical wisdom and guidance
– Potential to promote unity and peace among believers
– Importance for Christian leaders to read and discuss
Robert Jones’ ultimate goal is to offer a clear and hopeful path for navigating conflict,
empowering individuals to walk with confidence and assurance.
Pursuing Peace
As you read this book, may your mind be renewed and your heart be geared towards reconciliation,
filling your relationships with peace, harmony, and serenity.
May this book be a catalyst for transformation, guiding you and your loved ones towards stronger, more loving connections,
and may God’s peace be the foundation on which you build.
Also Read: Christian Unity – Diademng (thediademng.org)
Pursuing Peace
A must to read.
Thank you for sharing. 🙏
A profound review which resonates deeply!
Awesome piece.
Definitely adding this to my book list.
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