Two of my dearest friends are facing similar “peacemaking opportunity” (i.e. CONFLICT) situations this week, although each is in a different context. One is in the church. The other is in a business situation. But both are the same issue: they have been informed that someone “out there” is upset with them and is talking to others about them behind their backs. Of all of the peacemaking scenarios, I think I dread this one the most. It is so tempting to really freak out and lose perspective when we have to go to church or go to work knowing that someone we are sharing fellowship with, taking communion with, or…

A classic tale (and a great encouragement to keep doing the right thing!) from the consummate storyteller, Ken Sande: “When John’s wife, Karen, divorced him and moved in with her high school sweetheart, John was devastated, especially when his church refused to do anything to try to save their marriage. But he drew on God’s grace and resisted the temptation to give in to self-pity or bitterness. He refused to criticize Karen, especially in front of their children. He bent over backwards to accommodate their every-changing visitation schedule. Most of all, he continued to pray for Karen, and whenever they talked with each other, he asked God to help him speak…

Today, I tried to reach out to a friend who is suffering. I felt pretty klutzy doing it. I had no idea what to say! And I really kinda just wanted to hang back and say nothing until things were more normal and “settled.” But then I remembered another classic CCEF article (this one by Ed Welch) and after re-reading it, I went ahead and did my best to reach out in love. I’m glad I did. Here is the article: Moving Toward People And here are just a few of my favorite excerpts:   “Consider someone who is going through suffering. Let’s say the suffering is especially difficult –…

From Philip Ryken’s, When You Pray: Making the Lord’s Prayer Your Own: “Forgiveness brings great joy, not only to the forgiven, but especially to the forgiver. The Greek term “forgiveness” (aphiemi) comes from a word that means “to let go.” Forgiveness is a release, a letting go of self-destructive feelings such as anger, bitterness, and revenge. Those attitudes poison intimacy with God and harmony with human beings … Mission founder Richard Wurmbrand once met a man who had experienced the divine release that comes through forgiveness. Wurmbrand was in a Communist prison in Romania at the time, lying in a prison cell reserved for those who were dying. In the…