Finding the Way of Peace with Ken Sande’s ‘The Peacemaker”

In his book, The Peacemaker, Ken Sande offers a comprehensive framework for navigating personal conflict, not just to seek resolution, but also to glorify God.

Sande integrates practical wisdom with Scriptural principles, offering a roadmap that removes personal bias, restores relationships, and pursues reconciliation. Most importantly, I believe Sande’s approach is rooted in the Gospel, looking to Jesus as, I love how he puts it, the Way out:

“The gospel of Jesus Christ provides the way out of this downward spiral. When we remember what Jesus did for us on the cross, our blinding self-absorption can be replaced with a liberating desire to draw attention to the goodness and power of God. As Colossians 3:1–2 teaches, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Key Scriptures Informing Conflict Resolution

Several Scriptures serve as foundational principles, referenced in The Peacemaker.

1. Matthew 18:15-17 stands out.

This is perhaps the most notable Bible passage in all conflict settings related to the Church. In a way, it offers us a step-by-step guide for addressing personal conflicts directly and privately at first, then escalating only if necessary, and with the ultimate goal of reconciliation.

“When Paul commanded Christians to resolve their disputes in the church, he had a specific process in mind. Jesus had already established a format that Christians are to follow when they are dealing with sin and conflict, recorded in Matthew 18:15–20.”

Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

2. Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to humility.

Moreover, this passage calls us to consider others’ interests above our own. This Scripture challenges the self-centric mindset that sin tempts us to listen to but in conflict with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls us towards empathy, forgiveness, and the pursuit of collective well-being, mirroring the selflessness of Christ.

“Whatever the situation might be, we should always show respect for the concerns, traditions, limitations, and special needs of others and ask God to show us how to communicate with them in the way that is most appropriate and helpful to them (Phil. 2:3–4).”

Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

3. Galatians 6:1-2 complements gentle restoration.

Believers should be willing to restore those caught in sin, doing so gently, bearing each other’s burdens as we help them follow Jesus back to spiritual health. This concept not only encourages a spirit of gentleness and support in conflict resolution but also reflects the vision we’ve been given as the body of Christ. We’re inter-connected, so the health of each member (body part) is crucial to the overall health of the congregation.

“The Lord may also use you to help others learn where they have been wrong and need to change (Gal. 6:1–2)…this will usually involve private correction. If that does not work, God may involve others in the church to help bring about needed repentance and change.”

Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker. Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

The Importance and Practical Application of These Scriptures

These Scriptures provide both a vision and a methodology of sorts, for resolving conflicts in a way that honours God and fosters genuine peace. To quickly recap:

• Matthew 18:15-17 is the way of Jesus, for maintaining the integrity of personal relationships and church unity, ensuring that conflicts are addressed in a manner that respects the dignity of the individual while seeking restoration over retribution.
• Philippians 2:3-4 serves as a reminder that at the heart of Christ-centred conflict resolution is the principle of selfless love and concern for the well-being of others, looking beyond our interests, to prioritize church health over individual desires.
• Galatians 6:1-2 points to restoration as a central part of Christianity, caring for those who struggle, calling them to account in a compassionate, restorative way that seeks to build us rather than condemn, mirroring the grace and mercy of Christ.

These Scriptures can guide us as we approach conflict.

Conflict will always be a part of the human experience, and therefore a part of church-life. Nevertheless, with a heart and mindset attuned to Christ, we can engage in conflicts not as adversaries but as brothers and sisters on a journey together, striving for reconciliation and peace.

By aligning our practices with these biblical principles, we’ll navigate conflicts more effectively but we’ll also witness the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives and relationships.

By adhering to Scriptural instruction, we’re equipped to handle disagreements with grace, love, and a commitment to reconciliation. We’ll reflect the character of Christ in our by promoting a culture of peace within the local church and beyond.