We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.
John StottRead
The incentive to peacemaking is love, but it degenerates into appeasement whenever justice is ignored. To forgive and to ask for forgiveness are both costly exercises. All authentic Christian peacemaking exhibits the love and justice-and so the pain-of the cross.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True peacemaking stems from love, yet it risks becoming mere appeasement without justice. Forgiveness requires effort and reflects the deeper truths of love and justice.
In this quote, John Stott emphasizes that the foundation of genuine peacemaking is love; however, if justice is overlooked, this love can degenerate into mere appeasement, which lacks true substance. He asserts that both forgiveness and the act of seeking forgiveness come at a significant cost, highlighting that authentic Christian peacemaking is intertwined with love, justice, and the inherent suffering that comes from embodying the teachings of the cross.
Themes
PeacemakingLoveJusticeForgivenessAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on conflict resolution, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of love and justice in achieving peace.
More from John Stott
All quotes →Mission arises from the heart of God Himself and is communicated from His heart to ours. Mission is the global outreach of the global people of a global God.
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An unchurched christian is a grotesque anomaly. The New Testament knows nothing of such a person. For the church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought. It is not an accident of history. On the contrary, the church is God's new community.
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Saving faith is resting faith, the trust which relies entirely on the Savior.
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It is a great comfort to know that our judge will be none other than our savior.
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To encounter Christ is to touch reality and experience transcendence. He gives us a sense of self-worth or personal significance, because He assures us of God's love for us. He sets us free from guilt because He died for us and from paralyzing fear because He reigns. He gives meaning to marriage and home, work and leisure, personhood and citizenship.
John StottRead
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