Helpful Books on One-Anothering

October, 2006

by: Tim Carns

In the last few Calvary Review’s I have focused on the importance of the One Another’s for our growth in Christ. If you are serious about fulfilling your responsibilities to your brothers and sisters in Christ, then I have two books which I highly recommend that you do whatever it takes to get them in your hands, read them, and apply them. They are both biblical and clear. The first book deals with how we can be used by God to help others in their walk with Christ (as well as be helped by them). The second deals with how to handle conflicts which seem to inevitably occur in our relationships with one another. I have asked two members of our counseling team here at Calvary to give their assessment of these books and how they have found them helpful personally. I trust their comments will inspire you to read these two excellent books.

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp

(review by Walt Bertelsen)

If there is one book that you might ever read about what it means to “love one another” in the Body of Christ, this would be it. The main title and subtitle explain what Paul Tripp is writing: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in need of change helping people in need of change. Dr. Tripp’s heart is evident, as is his wisdom and knowledge of the Scripture. The book is, at the same time, a theology of body life (how the church is to function in helping one another grow), a practical manual on how to build relationships with fellow believers, and how to help them apply the Scriptures to bring about biblical change (sanctification). There is much valuable teaching here on what it means to be a part of the Church and following the Wonderful Counselor. There is a great appendix on practical issues of gathering information useful in helping believers become like Christ. This book is not just for “counselors”—it is for all believers. It will help you understand how we are to be instruments in our Redeemer’s hand to love one another and bring about change.

The Peacemaker by Ken Sande

(review by Shelbi Cullen)

The Peacemaker by Ken Sande thus far has been the best guidebook I've ever used on how Christians should resolve conflict. This book is designed to help anyone become a biblical peacemaker. It provides a simple yet comprehensive approach to resolving conflict and is based solidly on the Word of God. It can be used to resolve normal day to day differences that come up in daily life; or it can be used to prevent unfortunate events like a divorce or a church split.The approach Ken Sande takes can be summarized in four basic principles:

• Glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31)

  Biblical peacemaking is motivated and guided by a deep desire to bring honor to God by revealing the reconciling love and power of Jesus Christ.

• Get the Log out of Your Own Eye (Matt. 7:5)

  Attacking others only invites counterattacks. This is why Jesus teaches us to face up to our own contributions to a conflict before we focus on what others have done.

• Gently Restore (Gal. 6:1)

  When others fail to see their contributions to a conflict, sometimes we need to graciously show them their fault.

• Go and Be Reconciled (Matt. 5:24)

  Finally, peacemaking involves a commitment to restoring damaged relationships and negotiating just agreements.

As people reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we should be responding to conflicts that come our way in a markedly differentway than how the world responds. This book helps with that; itforces you to realizeand understand from God's Word that conflict can actually be an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and grow to be more like Christ. It has thoroughly helped me in my own walk with the Lord as well as in my discipleship relationships—it’s a must read!