Confronting our Confrontations

confrontation the two people better understand and appreciate each other than before.  When in a confrontation, I try to remember the words of Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

The purpose of the confrontation should not be to tear down the other person or get even.  The purpose should be to try to identify common ground and should be done out of love and respect.   Remember, one of the Fruits of the Spirit is self control.

Today, many of our confrontations become legal disputes.  I understand that sometimes this is unavoidable, but we must realize the Word cautions us, “When you take another believer to court, you have lost the battle already” (1 Corinthians 6:7).  The Apostle condemns the Corinthians because their tribunals were heathen, and the spirit of the litigation was void of Christ.  The battle is lost because we have missed an opportunity to build up the Church.  The Bible presents a better option that brings honor to God and both parties.  “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.   But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’  If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).

The Bible tells us that unresolved conflict blocks our fellowship with God and keeps our prayers from being answered. This is why Jesus commands us in to restore our broken relationships before we worship (Matthew 5:23-24).  Job’s friends reminded him, “To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do,” (Job 5:2) and, “You are only hurting yourself with your anger,” (Job 18:4). It has often been said that when you forgive someone, the prisoner you set free is yourself.

I was taught years ago that if you were going to have a “come to Jesus meeting” with someone, it was best to begin and end on a positive note and insert your concerns in the middle.  This lightens the tension at the beginning and ends the meeting on a positive note.  A meaningful confrontation will convey three messages.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. You love and care for that person.
            2. You will pray for and help that person.
            3. You believe that person can change.

The Apostle Paul did this in 1 and 2 Corinthians by beginning and ending with affirmation. For example, Paul starts one letter by saying, “I always thank God for you,” and ends with, “My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.” Between that he’s dealing with some very tough truths while also giving affirmation in the middle: “I have great confidence in you, and I have a lot of reasons to be proud of you” (2 Corinthians 7:4).  Paul wisely used the word “and” instead of “but.”  The former maintains engagement but the later will make the listener defensive and invalidate your previous words of affirmation.