Thoughts on Confrontation

I’ve been learning some quick little truths about confrontation that I thought I’d share.

It is more compassionate to give severe rebuke to another Christian’s sin than to just pat your friend on the back and tell them, “keep trying…it’s okay.” Obviously we don’t need to judge, reject, or be putting ourselves above them. We should be serving and loving them.

But as frustrating as it is there are definitely limitations on what our human action can do. Some people will not accept it.

“No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—

the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough "– Psalms 49:7-8

As my dad always told me, “You can’t change anyone but yourself.” (Don’t you wish we could sometimes though!) Bonhoeffer said, “Our brother’s ways are not in our hands; we cannot hold together what is breaking; we cannot keep life in what is determined to die.” These are hard words to swallow for someone like me who thinks they have the capability to help everybody. I’ve learned there are some people who just refuse to listen to truth (sometimes even me). But God’s Word is inside us and He wants it spoken through us. If we are faithful to carry out His message, He can save them through us.

“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone

should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way

will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” -James 5:19-20

We need to not be afraid of confrontation. I feel convicted that there are people who I need to have (loving) conversations with. I can’t stand by anymore and watch friends fall apart while immersed in their sin. I know there have been times (not too long ago) when I really needed someone to come to me in life and give me a wake up call. But I also have come to the realization that there are some people who I just need to back off and pray for and let God be God and work in their lives. ***All of this in REAL humility

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit

should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves,

or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1-2