Quotes from Timothy S. Lane

Our aim is that this book will help you look through the shattered glass of our sin to see the glory of a Redeemer who is ever-present, always at work to rescue and change us.

Understand that conflict is one way God works in our lives

This side of heaven, relationships and ministry are always shaped in the forge of struggle.

You see, this is what you always do. I come to you and you turn the table on me. You are so good at making other people feel guilty for your failures!

Godly conflict is an act of compassion!

True human community only arises out of communion with God

What sins and weaknesses in the other person do you need to consider as you decide what your next move will be? In

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Own whatever personal sin you have brought to the situation.

Name the problem.

But on the other, Kurt had left her feeling betrayed. She didn't think she would ever get over it. She wondered whether relationships were worth the risk of this kind of pain.

Explore possible solutions.

We are worshipers who enter into relationship with the person or thing we think will give us life.

What were the unspoken rules your family followed? How did you handle conflict? What was the typical method for solving problems? Were there regular patterns of forgiveness?

Implement the agreed-upon solution.

Evaluate your implementation.

Your answers to these basic questions can show you how your family shaped your views on relating to others.

If you get stuck and things don't improve, be willing to get outside help.

Why is it so important to highlight these comparisons? Because the Christian life is built upon the foundation of facing who you really are and trusting who Christ truly is. Everything you do will be shaped by the degree to which you act on the blessings that are yours in Christ.

The fatal flaw of human wisdom is that it promises that you can change your relationships without needing to change yourself. When

Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

The fatal flaw of human wisdom is that it promises that you can change your relationships without needing to change yourself.

but God wants to bring us to the end of ourselves so that we would see our need for a relationship with him as well as with others.

Pursuing comfortable relationships and avoiding difficult ones