In this book I first look at the theological foundation on why we have conflicts and what God's purpose is through conflict. When it comes to handling conflicts, there are chapters on spiritual warfare, peace, forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation and helping others in conflict.
I've avoided popular recipes on conflict management which are often based on what the world does to reduce conflict. Instead, I've looked at Biblical guidelines and given many real-life experiences.
The book holds many surprises when we consider God's purpose through conflict in our lives. The first part on "A Theology of Conflict" and the chapter on "Peace on Earth" when taken seriously, will greatly impact our lives (and the lives of others).
Peace on Earth
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I
have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come
to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her
mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And
a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
—Matthew 10:34–36
And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying,
“Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things
that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”
—Luke 19:41–42
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
—Isaiah 48:22
It always bothers me when people talk about Christmas as the season
of peace and only partially quote Luke 2:14 exclaiming, “Peace
on earth!” as if the coming of the Christ child would bring the end
to international, regional, racial, and interpersonal conflicts. In fact,
the angels who announced the good news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds
specifically proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” The peace of God is
reserved for those with whom He is well pleased. He doesn’t give His
peace to sinners or His opponents. When Jesus sent His disciples to
preach, the peace they were to offer to those who hospitably received
them was conditional.
Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace be to
this house!” And if a son of peace is there, your
peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return
to you. (Luke 10:5–6)
Soon after the Light of the world dawned on earth when the
Prince of Peace was born, conflict of a most horrible nature fell upon
the region. In jealousy and rage, Herod sought to kill the young
Messiah who was to become king and had every boy up to two years
old killed (Matthew 2:16). The darkness of Satan’s kingdom and
those under his rule will always oppose the Light. True peace will
only be found in the hearts of those in the kingdom of God, not in
earthly dominions.