Confrontation. Most of us don't like it - whether we are the "confronter" or the "cronfrontee." But it is often necessary. Why? Because we are a broken and fallen people. And so, misunderstandings between us do occur and occur far too often. In addition, since we still have our fallen nature within us, we do, from time to time sin against one another. Sometimes this is done intentionally and sometimes we do so without giving much thought to our words or actions. But whatever the case, we do need to confront from time to time - not to "get even" as we "give someone a piece of our mind" - but to seek to bring about the reconciliation and restoration of our fractured relationship (see Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15).
Now there is a time when confrontation is wrong. It is when we confront out of a spirit of bitterness and anger. So the very first thing we must do in this process of confrontation is to take a long look into our hearts. We need to ask ourselves why we plan to confront. Our motive must be the edification of the other person (see Ephesians 4:29). And anytime we confront another person without this motivation in our heart - that confrontation is wrong! Sometimes if the pain of our hurt is deep, it may take some time to get to this place. But through prayer and dependence upon God, He will give us the grace we need to proceed in a way that will honor Him!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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