When I first started reading this book, I was intrigued but also had some serious concerns.

Let me start out by saying that I requested this book, and then wondered why on earth I did so. I have taken the Enneagram test before and I was placed a 9, and then as I was reading deeper into my Bible I struggled with wondering if it was anti-biblical to “read into,” excuse my pun, these Enneagram types. In a conversation with a friend, she pointed out, and really completely changed my whole thinking, that these things (this and the Meyer’s Brigg test) are not foretelling the future as the Bible warns us against, but rather enlightening us to our patterns and thinking behavior.

I definitely thought differently and opened this book with new eyes, but still some hesitancy. I mean, how could this be turned into a godly devotional?

What I found was that they author did a phenomenal job of pointing out that we are sinners and in need of a Savior. Our strengths and weaknesses as pointed out by this intricate typology can only do that, point them out. I really highlighted this one section where Bennett explains that “some Enneagram teachers will tell you that you only need to focus on self-actualization and pull yourself up by your proverbial bootstraps to grow out of your worst behaviors,” and goes on to explain some of these like meditation, focus on yourself, and the idea that we are perfect the way we are. BUT, Bennett explicitly says, “I’m here to offer a different foundation for growth,” and that foundation of course is who we are in Jesus Christ and our natural sinful nature.

“So telling us we ought to ‘focus on ourselves to find growth’ will only lead us to more and more confusion.”

I covered a lot here that you will only find in the first opening of the book. Throughout the rest of the book is insight to how the Enneagram shows us, the Peacemakers, to live a life pleasing to God. Recognizing the strengths He has given us and working through our weaknesses in His strength and through His Word and aligning ourselves with His guidebook. Bennett uses the help of two other authors, one is a Nine and writes what has helped her growth in the Lord and encouragement, and the other is a Two, which to be honest, I still don’t understand those wingmen and strengths and all that. BUT, lets just say this: there were a few things I found me to wince a bit. They had a borderline of almost stepping a toe outside scripture. While it was hard to disagree scriptural, there were occasions where I just couldn’t put my finger on why I was hesitating, was it my own insecurity about this presumed knowledge of myself? Or was it because something didn’t seem to align with the Holy Word.

All in all though, those were small instances, but for the most part I was almost overjoyed at the sections of “finally! SOMEONE understands me!”, and “Ouch! ooooh, yeah, I need to work on that.” More of than not, it was the latter.

Would I recommend The Peacemaker? Absolutely. In fact, I am requesting a nice finished copy instead of my helpful ARC as a Christmas present. 😉

The Peacemaker is on tour with Celebrate Lit.

I received a copy free in exchange for an honest review.

About the Book

Book: The Peacemaker

Author: Elisabeth Bennet

Genre: Christian Living

Release Date: September 8, 2020

The Enneagram is an ancient personality typology using nine points within a circle to represent nine distinct personality types. This sixty-day devotional is for the Peacemaker, number 9 of the Enneagram personality types. This devotional will help Peacemakers, and those who love them, to better understand how God created them and how best to use their unique gifts to serve Him and love others. It features a full explanation of what the Enneagram is and how it benefits people, followed by a full description of what it means to be a 9, including their deadly sin, sloth, and their greatest strength, their gut feelings. Also covered are motivations, fears, childhood wounds, the lost message they long to hear, their deadly sin, and defense mechanisms, as well as common subtypes, wings, and where they are in the head/heart/gut triad. The sixty days are split into six 10-day topics that include uniqueness, weakness, strength, pain points, and how Peacemakers react in times of stress and growth.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Elisabeth Bennett first discovered the Enneagram in the summer of 2017 and immediately realized how life-changing this tool could be. She set out to absorb all she could about this ancient personality typology, including a twelve-week Enneagram Certification course taught by Beth McCord, who has studied the Enneagram for more than twenty-five years. Elisabeth started her own Enneagram Instagram account (@Enneagram.Life) in 2018, which has grown to more than 55,000 followers. Since becoming a certified Enneagram coach, Elisabeth has conducted more than one hundred one-on-one coaching sessions, focused on helping her clients find their type and apply the Enneagram to their lives for personal and spiritual growth. She has also conducted staff/team building sessions for businesses and high school students. She has lived in beautiful Washington State her entire life and now has the joy of raising her own children there with her husband, Peter.

Endorsement for The Peacemaker

“Elisabeth has written a delightful devotional full of important information for those who want to grow in their own self-awareness and relationship with Christ. I highly recommend reading this book so you can experience transformation on a much deeper level that will bring about the change you desire in life.” —Beth McCord, YourEnneagramCoach.com, author of 10 Enneagram books

“I have been craving a devotional that would not only strengthen my relationship with Christ, but also authentically ‘get me’ as an Enneagram four. This simply knocks that out of the water. I find that, as a four, it’s hard to conform and give in to a generic devotional, and this is anything but that. Beautifully constructed for my four heart.” —Audrey Bailey, artist, mental heatlh advocate, creator of Brush and Barley digital brand (@BrushandBarley)