Reconciliation is not to be withheld when repentance—that is, deep, heart‐changing acknowledgement of sin and a radical redirection of life—takes place in the one being rebuked. Nor is reconciliation to be extended to someone who has not repented.

The work of restoration cannot begin until a problem is fully faced.

Love cannot last without a foundation of forgiveness.

If you are a leader, it is not possible to be at peace with all and friends with everyone.

Strength is found in weakness. Control is found in dependency. Power is found in surrender.

Genuine trust involves allowing another to matter and have an impact in our lives. For that reason, many who hate and do battle with God trust Him more deeply than those whose complacent faith permits an abstract and motionless stance before Him. Those who trust God most are those whose faith permits them to risk wrestling with Him over the deepest questions of life. Good hearts are captured in a divine wrestling match; fearful, doubting hearts stay clear of the mat.

Courage never takes away fear; courage simply redistributes fear to get the job done.