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The Path of a Peacemaker: Your Biblical Guide to Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, and a Life of Peace

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Conflict is inevitable, but peace, especially among Christians, is essential. When conflict turns into peace, frustration becomes clarity and turmoil becomes unity. When conflict turns into peace, God is glorified. But how do we find peace without ignoring our problems? How do we pursue unity without compromising on our principles?The Path of a Peacemaker offers a simple, proven path to a lifestyle of peace. It guides you through an examination of your own personal story, identifying the origins of your hopes and fears. It invites you to understand and embrace God's approach to conflict, take responsibility for your own part in conflict, and connect with others in a spirit of humility as you learn to listen first, ask for forgiveness, and move forward, even if the conflict remains unresolved.Pastors, counselors, and anyone who is dealing with conflict at home, work, church, or with friends will find this book a vital tool.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2019

20 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

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P. Brian Noble

7 books4 followers

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Joan.
4,300 reviews112 followers
June 15, 2019
Conflict seems to be the default behavior in our world today. We Christians might want to ignore conflict but that is not an option for us. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5 that we have the ministry of reconciliation. We are to be peacemakers, but how? Noble provides us with great teaching, good strategies, several illustrations of principles, and some practical steps to take.

I found it interesting he began with a foundation of tension. Life is filled with tension, both external and internal. “When tension is used wisely,” Noble says, “it can bring out the best in you and in your life.” (179/2641) That wise use of tension means we have to know ourselves. Noble encourages us to recognize our unique story, helping us understand how it filters our perspective on the situation. We must get God's perspective and rely on God's presence. We need reflection. We need humility. We need to learn to listen.

All of that might seem like a tall order but Noble does a very good job of explaining it all. He has good examples of how it all works, including ones from his own life. He offers specific steps to take with many of the suggested actions and thought patterns.

I highly recommend this book to pastors, church leaders, counselors and others who want to learn the biblical method of helping those in conflict. You'll be challenged about your own attitudes too and their role in conflict you experience.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Jennie.
348 reviews31 followers
June 8, 2019
This is my last official book review, not sure if I should celebrate or not!? However, don’t despair, I will still share bits and pieces of books I am reading. This book, The Path of a Peacemaker ~ Your Biblical Guide to Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, and a Life of Peace ~ by P. Brian Noble, is the perfect book to write my last review about.

This is one of those books, that everyone should read, after-all, we all deal with conflict. However, conflict can be good or bad, depending on the type of conflict we are referring too, and the writer explains that in the book.

I whizzed through reading this one, because I had a couple hours of free time and I found it so helpful, especially since I am in the midst of a conflict right now. There are things I never thought of, the author made many good points and based it all from a biblical standpoint, which I really found encouraging!! He shares real-life experiences and provides a simple break-down of how to understand and work through various situations.

The book is broken down into six parts. Part one: he covers about tension in our everyday lives. Part two: is about our story, this quote I found relatable; “Think about your life as a book: we never know what chapter we enter in someone’s else’s book, and they do not know what chapter they enter in our book.” Part three: is about ascending, which means taking our conflicts and going to God’s Word and to let them be filtered by God’s Spirit. Part four: reflect, and this should be a time of being humble and reflecting on our own blind spots and using tools to see our own blind spots. Part five: how to connect with those with whom we are in conflict with, and humility is the key to this! And finally, part six: what happens when things do not go well. His reminder in this is Romans 12:18 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Many will find this book helpful and useful in dealing with situations at work, family, friends, personal conflict, etc… I made many highlights and notes so I can go back to it and apply it. I can see this helpful also if you are mentoring someone that is going through a difficult time. In addition, I enjoyed the various quotes he used from some of my favorite authors and theologians! There is a lot of Scripture and biblical examples throughout this book. I think if we used the suggestions in this book, there would be a lot more peacemakers and situations that would be resolved in peace, instead of the opposite. I am planning on using some of his methods!
Profile Image for Curtis.
1 review3 followers
August 13, 2019
Our age abounds with peace-breaking tension. Thankfully, Brian Noble of Peacemaker Ministries has contributed another helpful weapon to the peacemaking arsenal for fighting the good fight of peace in any context. The Path of a Peacemaker: Your Biblical Guide to Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, and a Life of Peace turns the tables on tension early on its pages. Noble relates his own tension-filled upbringing story and how God used it as a positive force in his journey. He then proceeds to develop in detail a four-part rubric for navigating tension born of conflict to positive, peacemaking ends. He guides the reader through one, story--tell our stories together; two, ascend--pray and read Scripture together; three, reflect--take personal responsibility; and connect--ask, confess, seek, and forgive. He encourages the reader: "A path of a peacemaker conversation is not about perfection. It’s about being willing. It’s about being vulnerable. It’s about being sincere in seeking peace. It’s about caring enough to involve yourself in something that—let’s face it—could be uncomfortable" (194). I particularly appreciated Noble's repeated emphasis on the importance of humility at every point on the peacemaking path. Citing Jesus's example in John 8:1-11 he writes: "Humility has the power to change everything. It is one of the most important lessons we can learn from Jesus. Jesus changed the world with humility" (101). Brian Noble writes well. He relates stories effectively to his points. He excels in the practical. The questions he suggests asking for connecting in the chapter on forgiveness could be worth the price of the book! He includes plenty of biblical references pertinent to a sound peacemaking theology. He does not make it his purpose to delve deeply in exegetical study. But he writes on solid theological ground--including his appeal to the gospel as the means and power for putting the path of a peacemaker into process. You have to love where he lands the plane: "Even though this book is based on a set of steps to help you find peace with someone you’ve been warring with, it’s not about the process. The process is just a means to an end. What really matters is action. When you invite someone to sit and talk about something that has hurt you, that’s taking action. When you forgive someone who’s hurt you, that’s taking action. When you make amends for some offense, that’s taking action." Buy the book. Master the process. Walk the path.
Profile Image for C.E. Hart.
Author 7 books42 followers
June 7, 2019
The Path of a Peacemaker is a neatly organized book that has six allotted sections that provide a path to a peaceful lifestyle.

As a 9-personality type (the peacemaker) I was initially attracted to this book by its title. I didn’t exactly know what to expect, but trusted I’d be able to relate to the contents. I was surprised that it didn't boil down to a how-to book, but instead, shared personal stories (of the author’s and friends) that reflected on how conflicts in life affect us, and how proven tools can help us grow and overcome them.

I confess I didn’t read the book from beginning to end in the order displayed. I skipped around, from section to section, exploring the topics that spoke loudest to me. That may not be as effective for you, but it worked for me. The book holds a wealth of information, and I wanted to focus on the points that spoke loudest to me.

The biggest strength of this book, for me, is the personal stories. Even though I didn’t share a familiarity with some of the experiences, I was able to sympathize and empathize, and ultimately learn from the outcomes. This book is an insightful tool for introspection, inspiration, and a more faithful and serene lifestyle.

Author: P. Brian Noble
Publisher: Baker Publishing
Pages: 240
First Lines (Chapter 1): Though it was more than thirty years ago, I remember the moment clearly. I was living with my mother and sister in a dinky apartment in Grandview, Washington, so named because of its magnificent views of Mount Adams. My life wasn’t nearly so magnificent.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.
Profile Image for Mary Lou.
228 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2019
Perhaps the greatest strength in Brian Noble’s book, The Path of a Peacemaker, is his emphasis on understanding people’s story as a primary bridge to resolving conflict and tension between individuals and groups. Noble contends, “It is crucial to know yourself and the person with whom you’re in conflict. Perspective is key to knowing both yourself and the other person, which leads to understanding your conflict and tension” (The Path of a Peacemaker, Brian Noble, Baker Books, 2019, p.65).

The book contains practical examples of conflict management, wise application of the prodigal son biblical story, and helpful principles that will enable people to become peacemakers. Noble’s fourth principle of connecting with one another in conflict is particularly strong. He speaks of the importance of humility and asking forgiveness, of the critical need to listen, of the recognition that we often hear things only through our own filters, of overlooking, and the willingness “to search your own heart instead of assuming the conflict was the other person’s fault” (p.196). The application of his principles is needed throughout the global church.
Five stars. M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 11/07/19
341 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2019
We live in a world that needs more peace. The Path of a Peacemaker: Your Biblical Guide to Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, and a Life of Peace is a book by P. Brian Noble that discusses the significance, meaning, pursuit, and discovery of peace. Two of my favorite chapters in the book were “The Power of Overlooking” and “Of Logs and Specks.” Noble writes with insight and offers helpful suggestions for resolving conflict and achieving peace. I especially like his commentary on man’s perspective and God’s perspective. The book covers so many interesting topics relating to peace, such as practicing humility, learning to listen, and embracing our calling to be peacemakers. We are reminded that God is the deliverer of peace.

I received this book for review.
Profile Image for victoria.
347 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2019
This book was a unique writing and compelling to read with that also very inspiring and helping to find a real true pace and see the opposite side of vulnerable that will giving you a strength, not a weakness. This book will guide you to the right direction when you have to face, conflict and turns in to peace, frustration into clarity, and turmoil into unity. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baler Books Bloggers for this review”.
Profile Image for Matt Dubois.
99 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2019
The original Peacemaker by Ken Sande was revolutionary in its clear application of the Gospel to conflict with actionable steps to reconcile. This is a narcissistic, whiny story where the gospel is nothing more than Jesus being an example of what we need to do - Jesus died, so we need to die, Jesus was resurrected so we need to resurrect. Ridiculous tripe.
Profile Image for Randy.
290 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2019
This is an o.k book on conflict resolution. A quick read, practical advise that can be applied to situations that arise in your life. If you want to go a little deeper, Ken Sande's "The Peacemaker" is better and more in depth.
43 reviews
May 3, 2023
Really enjoyed the practical application aspect of this book. If I had one criticism, some people are living in a permanent state of tension with others, for which there will be no peacemaking. I would like to have heard about peace for them. Otherwise, Godly, Biblical, wisdom in practice.
Profile Image for Jean Peterson.
24 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2019
Informative

The biblical path of being a peacemaker. This book gave me a lot to think about. Not an easy process but a necessary one.
Profile Image for Sue.
285 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2021
We all need to be a peacemaker, and it’s not an easy thing!
Profile Image for Brian Virtue.
153 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2025
solid content and perspective. maybe lacking in some of its style or some of its approach. could be good possibly for someone reading their very first book on peacemaking.
187 reviews2 followers
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January 15, 2021
This is a great read for anyone who struggles to keep the peace when conflicts and disagreements arise. I think everyone can find helpful advice in this book. The Bible tells us to try our best to be at peace with everyone and it is often a challenge to do that when things don't go our way.

The author of this book uses his real life stories and Biblical wisdom to provide an excellent guidebook for seeking peace throughout everyday life and relationships. I felt inspired by reading this and I learned a lot of healthy ways to resolve conflicts. I feel like this is a book I should definitely come back to and read again and again as a refresher course on peacemaking. Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the chance to read and review this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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