October 25, 2011

• Lessons Learned (Confrontation)

  As a pastor's wife, I have been witness to many meetings that hurt me deeply.  It is hard to not walk away and wonder if others read the same bible I read?  That sounds harsh doesn't it?  I don't mean for it to.  I know people aren't perfect but I do wish they would filter everything through love.   It is the awesome grace of God, his boundless love, and his ever-present help that give us a reason to turn from our sin. Scripture says that it is the kindness of God that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4).

  Some people in the church seem to love fulfilling their concept of confrontation. What gets lost in translation is that the biblical model of confrontation is to RESTORE.  Not to offend.  Not to punish or ostracize.  But to restore others to the body.  Restore them in their walk with God in love. 

  

  "Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly  should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself."  Galations 6:1-2

  “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."  Matthew 18:15-17

  Before we can confront others we must remember to examine our own heart.  Confrontation always begins with our own hearts.  We must be sure we are dealing with our own issues.  Remember that confrontation is not based on our opinion of the person. We are there as an ambassador and our job is to faithfully represent the message of the King.  To humbly recognize who we ourselves really are by admitting our own need for the Lord’s forgiveness.  Remembering our own need allows us to be patient and forgiving with the one to whom God has called us to minister. 

  Confrontation is a command for all believers but it must be carried out with love and with the humble acknowledgment that the next one who needs to be restored might be … me.

  Thanks friends for reading this.  Unfortunately, I am "preaching to the choir".  It is very theraputic to write about my thoughts.  You are good friends to read them. 

  • 8:56 pm
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