Episode 150 - The Power of 70 x 7: Becoming Peacemakers
In our fast-paced world filled with disagreements and tension, learning to navigate conflict with grace is more important than ever. As people of faith, we're called to be peacemakers - but what does that truly mean in our daily lives? Today, I'm sharing powerful insights from Chad Ford's transformative book, "70 x 7: Jesus's Path to Conflict Transformation, and how these principles can create more joy in every season of life.
Understanding 70 x 7: Beyond Simple Mathematics
When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him - suggesting seven times as a generous number - Jesus responded with "seventy times seven." This wasn't a mathematical equation to forgive exactly 490 times. Rather, it represented unlimited forgiveness.
In Jewish tradition, seven symbolized completeness or perfection. By multiplying it, Jesus emphasized the absolute nature of forgiveness. As Chad Ford beautifully puts it, "we just keep trying until we complete it."
Why Conflict Isn't the Enemy
One realization that has transformed my perspective is understanding that conflict itself isn't bad - it's actually a necessary part of life and growth. Most of us have been conditioned to avoid conflict because our survival brain perceives it as dangerous, but conflict is part of our Heavenly Parents' plan.
It's not conflict that's problematic, but rather when conflict escalates into contention or contempt. Jesus didn't shy away from conflict; He faced it daily during His mortal ministry. His was a work of active peace and reconciliation.
Four Powerful Principles for Transforming Conflict
Chad Ford outlines four powerful principles that Jesus modeled for transforming conflict:
1. Loving Our Enemies
The Savior invites us to be peacemakers, to turn the other cheek instead of seeking revenge, and to love our enemies. This begins with seeing the divinity in others, even those with whom we're in conflict.
When we see others as God sees them, recognizing their divine nature, we create space for respect, forgiveness, and loving-kindness. This shift in perspective is actually a form of repentance - changing our view to align with God's.
2. Rolling Away Our Stones
Chad teaches that "Jesus is a stone roller, not a stone thrower." As humans, we tend to defend ourselves when in conflict, casting stones at those who threaten us. From this defensive position, it's difficult to see our own role in the conflict.
Jesus invites us to look inward and remove the beam from our own eye before attempting to help others. This self-awareness creates space for genuine understanding rather than escalation.
3. Taking the Risk of Embrace
Our natural instinct during conflict is to flee, fight, or freeze. But Jesus invites us to engage differently - to love assertively by turning toward others and embracing our enemies, even when there's no guarantee they'll respond the same way.
This vulnerable act of reaching out, of making the first move toward reconciliation, can heal wounds that seemed permanent. It's risky, but transformative.
4. Engaging in the Creative Act of Restoration
Reconciliation isn't easy. It requires courage, sacrifice, and creativity. When we use our values of truth, mercy, justice, and peace, we become powerful invitations for others who are stuck in conflict to let go of fear, justification, and trauma.
One powerful concept Chad shares is "calling in" versus "calling out." When confronted with conflict or disappointment, our instinct is to call others out - using force or shame to get them to change or apologize. But calling out is stone-throwing, not embrace.
"Jesus never said, 'This is my commandment: Thou shalt be right,'" Chad reminds us. "He said, 'My commandment is this: Love each other as I have loved you.'"
Calling in, by contrast, is done with love and respect. It seeks accountability without losing sight of the human being before us.
Becoming Peacemakers in Our Daily Lives
President Nelson has emphasized our call to be peacemakers: "As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others, especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately the person treats other people."
As we navigate conflicts in our families, workplaces, communities, and even within ourselves, let's remember that conflict doesn't have to end in despair. Through these principles, conflict can lead to joy, stronger relationships, and personal growth.
The invitation is clear: Let's join Jesus in practicing "70 times 7" to change our world. Let's embrace active peace instead of settling for passive peace. Let's become the peacemakers our world so desperately needs.
If this post resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts! And if you're interested in exploring these ideas further, I highly recommend picking up Chad Ford's book, "70 x 7: Jesus's Path to Conflict Transformation." Remember that peace is not just the absence of conflict—it's the presence of reconciliation, healing, and love.
Want More Clarity?
Are you ready to take it to a deeper level? Jill would love to be your coach!
Click HERE to learn about all the ways you can work together!
Click HERE to schedule a FREE Clarity Conversation with Jill.
Click HERE to check out her FREEBIES!
Click on the following links to learn more about Seasons Coaching and the Seasons of Joy Community Facebook Group.
To contact Jill about speaking to your group or business, email her at jill@seasons-coaching.com.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and rate and leave a review! Help spread these tools!
About the Author: Jill Pack is a certified faith-based life coach and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She helps women of faith navigate their seasons of life with greater purpose and joy. For more resources or to work with Jill, visit www.seasons-coaching.com.
