Pastor Tony Merida Offers Help for Strained Relationships During COVID-19 with New Book

In a global pandemic, being quarantined with family members and navigating interrupted schedules is a recipe for conflict in many relationships. Pastor and author Tony Merida helps Christians apply biblical principles to their current stressful situations and find more peace in their relationships in his latest book, "Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution: A Guide for Turbulent Times" (B&H Publishing, June 2, 2020).

"There's not a day I'm not dealing with some kind of relational conflict, either in my own life or in my ministry to others. That's life in a fallen world. This pandemic has intensified this reality for some people, due to added time together and closer proximity to those in one's immediate sphere of relationships. I hope this book will help individuals, couples, friends and families apply basic biblical truths to their situations, in order that peace may be maintained and enjoyed," Merida said. 

Merida's book focuses on the pattern and power of Christ, our ultimate Peacemaker (as revealed in Scripture), and equips readers to apply key biblical texts to their conflicts with others. Merida writes with a burden that Christians be known for peace and compassion in today's world, which is often characterized by hostility and tribalism. His goal is to see Christians reconciled and engaged in loving relationships. 

"A lot of Christians are good at doctrine but terrible at relationships. But this is unacceptable, as our faith is lived out in the context of relationships. In order to enjoy healthy relationships, we need to be grounded in key biblical passages, and we need to be eager to apply those passages for the enjoyment of peace with others. Such reconciliation and harmony glorify God and put the gospel on display," Merida said.

Written from a pastoral perspective, Merida's book is applicable to conflicts readers may be experiencing-especially during the stress of living in close quarters while quarantined. 

"Personally, I needed this book. It's really amazing how many Bible passages speak about healthy relationships, calling us to peace, harmony and reconciliation-all of it flowing from deep affections for the Lord Jesus Christ," Merida said. "Writing this book helped and convicted me, and I trust it will bear fruit. I pray it will do the same for others." 

"Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution" encourages readers to pursue peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in their relationships, in order to grow personally and help others grow, which glorifies God and powerfully embodies his great gospel to those who need to see it with their own eyes.

Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C. He has written four books and serves as a general editor and as contributor to the "Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary" series (B&H Publishing Group), along with David Platt and Danny Akin.

"Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution" is available now for purchase on LifeWay.com in paperback format and on Amazon for Kindle. For more information about "Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution," visit bhpublishing.com.

 

 

 

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