Navigating Relationships: Finding Joy in the Messy Middle, by Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp

Deanna silva: I have just read the first 2 chapters. It is written very well. Easy to understand. It has already given me some insight about some relationships I have been in, and are still in. I highly recommend this book! It's not only about marriage. It's about ALL relationships. :-)

United States on Aug 09, 2023

Amanda W.: I thought I would never finish this book.

Don’t get me wrong—it is chock full of practical advice and counsel for building healthy, biblical relationships. But it reads like a series of lectures. I honestly think this book is better suited as a teaching tool than as content for casual consumption.

One of my pastors recommended this book, and I can understand why—the content is strong and sound. But the vast amount of illustrations and the repetitiveness of the writers’ goals in each chapter just felt like it was poorly suited to a written medium. I think I would have greatly enjoyed listening to this one. So if you’re considering this book, maybe look into the audiobook before purchasing a print copy.

I don’t want to sound ungrateful. I learned a lot in these pages and will probably reference this book again in the future, but I probably won’t read it all the way through again. It was just a less enjoyable read for me.

United States on Feb 23, 2023

David Erickson: An unfortunate reference to a previous president and an unclear reference to a Green Day song raised an eyebrow, otherwise it was a good read.

United States on Nov 01, 2022

Mary L.: I am rating the condition of the book, which had a little highlighting and except for that was in great shape-almost like new. Content OK but not great.

United States on Oct 14, 2022

Georgina Cox: I appreciate that everything is linked back to contextual scripture and gave me a lot of thought provoking questions. This is more than just a “relationship” book but how we can see Jesus working in so many horizontal ways every time we look vertically. Very encouraging and would recommend!

United Kingdom on Aug 02, 2021

A Lim: The authors provide thought provoking and challenging reflections on how we relate to others. They inspire and motivate based on the Lord Jesus’ words and actions, revealing how we so easily fall into the trap of seeking relationships that only benefit us, rather than seeing relationships—both comfortable and difficult—as opportunities to grow in Godliness, rely more on Jesus than ourselves, and deny ourselves for the glory of Christ.

There are certain portions that become quite deep/repetitive, but no question that this book provides a really good reading that is sound in the Bible’s teachings.

United Kingdom on Jan 05, 2021

Penguin: Picture this: as you enter the garden shed, you see a light beam coming through a hole. You can clearly the light beam against the dark background and how the particles of dust are flying about. As you move inside and trace along the light beam, you are led to see the source of light. You can no longer see the light beam on its own, you see the Sun and in it you see everything.

This is an imagery by C S Lewis which I feel may help explain my impression of the book. In a nutshell, I feel the vision provided by the book is restrictive, as in seeing the light beam in the shed; it doesn’t move beyond the confine of the shed and help me trace along the light beam to see the Son. It does make statements about the wider visions beyond our immediate situation and life, for examples: ‘she should see them in the context of the whole picture, which includes who she is in Christ;’ ‘there has been a radical change in the core of our being;’ ‘God’s work is driven by an agenda so much grander than simply making our lives better;’ ‘imagination enlarges life into what can be adored.’ But it does not substantiate them. Yes, bible passages are quoted but at times, they are...

United Kingdom on Apr 30, 2019

Jax: The contents of the book surprised me... It contains a collection of thoughts and stories which are well crafted using sound biblical theology. I think you would need a certain level of Christian maturity to get the most out of it. It's not a '7 steps to healthy relationships' approach, but really tackles the complexities of living in a fallen world.

United Kingdom on Feb 17, 2018

Dr Jason Kanz: Relationships: A Mess Worth Making (2006), by Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp was a required book for a class I am taking through the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation. I had previously read Tripp and Lane's How People Change, which was a very good book, so I was looking forward to this one as well. This one surpassed my expectations. As the title would suggest, this book explores the mess of relationships and why we should pursue them anyway.

They rightly demonstrate that relationships are often difficult and, given enough time, all relationships will likely show strain. However, they suggest that "God keeps us in messy relationships for His redemptive purpose" (page 11). In the midst of struggle, it is often difficult to see God's work at hand, but it is.

Exploring topics such as sin, forgiveness, and mercy, the authors provide examples of moving in the rhythms of life with one another. In many ways, this book was reminiscent of the things that I have been reading from Dr Larry Crabb. The idea of "relational sin" would not be foreign to these authors and this book would serve as an excellent addition to the libraries of those who believe that relationships...

United States on Jun 15, 2014

MissTee: Im a little unsure how i even found this book. However i got this when there was a free promotion.

I am only on chapter 6. But i can honestly say that so far this is an amazing book. It deals with the root cause of conflict in any relationship. Rather than point a finger as those who may have caused pain. It actually convicts to look at how we are in every relationship that we have. And how we can do better.
As i read this book. It has brought back to memory alot of things that i have been through in all types of relationships. And has caused me to reflect on how I could have dealt with those situations better.
As children of God we are called to live at a stanard far higher than what we often do. We are created to live a Christ like lifestyle and this also includes in our relationships. Often when conflict comes we shy away. Instead of dealing with them in accordance to how the bible describes.
Whilst this book has been written with hard hitting truths, it has been written in a very easy and understandable way.

This is a must have book for anyone who wants to crucify the flesh and live a life with relationships that are Christ-Centred. Worth every...

United Kingdom on Feb 13, 2014