While skillfully identifying the deeper issues that keep relationships less than they are designed to be, Tim Lane and Paul Tripp show readers how to experience the other side of relationships as well. They convincingly testify of the power of God's presence to bring believers to the place where: Conflicts actually get resolved Tough conversations turn out positiveForgiveness is granted and real love is expressed and shared Casual relationships mature into deep friendshipsWeaknesses are overlooked and strengths are applaudedPeople are honest without being mean A book about relationships, written within the context of their own friendship, Tim and Paul's new offering is straightforward about the relational disappointments that we all suffer. But they are also optimistic about the power of grace to redeem and restore our relationships. Rather than presenting new or sophisticated techniques to make relationships flourish, the authors instead focus on the basic character qualities that can only be formed in the heart by the gospel. ";We are called to be people of great character so that when we do come in contact with the world our character shapes and influences those around us. Even though relationships are messy, they are also what God uses to rescue us from ourselves," say Tim and Paul.The Relationship materials (book and small group study guide) are the third of CCEF's three core courses about gospel-centered change. The first part of the series is How People Change (book, small group resource, and seminar) coauthored by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp. The second part of the series is the book and small group resource Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand by Paul David Tripp. Each course is designed to give pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders a biblical, Christ-centered, and user-friendly tool to equip laypeople to grow in grace. The three courses together answer three fundamental questions: Why do people do the things they do? How does lasting change take place in a person? How can God use me in someone's life to help them grow? Although each of these series stand alone, it can be helpful to go through them in order - beginning with How People Change, then Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, and ending with Relationships: A Mess Worth Making.
