Stop reacting, Start responding!
by Steve Casey on Nov.12, 2010, under Misc
Prompted by Andy’s post below to think a little bit more about the reality of conflict in and around our congregations i’ve returned to a chapter of a book, that i’ve found helpful in the past. How to act right when your spouse acts wrong: Leslie Vernick. I realise that the book is targeted at marriage, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the principles don’t apply into most areas of our relationship struggles. It could easily be titled, ” How to act right when you, and those around you, have screwed up”. The book is great at helping us unmask what is going on inside of us as we respond to conflict, it helps us to put Gospel armour on so we might overcome evil with good.
I particularly liked the chapter with the title; stop reacting, start responding. It shows that at our first contact with conflict we tend to merely react with the likes of anger, fear and guilt. The Lord is often not let into the scene. The author goes onto show that in the light of the Gospel we can respond in a way that overcomes wrong and evil with good.
Even if you aren’t married you will find this book full of practical theology, relational wisdom and Gospel responses. Enjoy
