Graceful Confrontation

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Christians have a tendency to be overly kind and avoid controversy. However, Jesus taught that healthy disagreement is essential for interpersonal and spiritual growth. It is necessary to maintain clear accounts with others while remaining focused on Kingdom concerns. Resolution of disputes may be painful, but ignoring a problem or offense can lead to nasty, even explosive outcomes. Conflict resolution necessitates collaboration from a minimum of two parties. During the early stages of conflict resolution, two roles are assigned. One is the confronter, while the other is the recipient.

If you are confronting someone, it is vital that you express the truth of the problem. If you are careless with the truth and casual in your dispute resolution, the situation will deteriorate. You should probably have the details established and validated. The second crucial feature of the confronter has become the spirit with which he leads the conversation. Do not speak in an accusing tone of voice. You are present in the spirit of forgiveness and healing. Avoid a contemptuous attitude, as you are an applicant for the same worries you are expressing to your friend. Confront the truth with humility and grace, and do so in love.

In contrast, the receiver must avoid defensiveness, denial, and resistance. When questioned, the recipient must listen carefully and refrain from interrupting with minor justifications. After hearing the accused, the receiver has the opportunity to address any errors and inaccuracies. His approach to teaching appears mature and levelheaded. Furthermore, in most situations, the recipient must apologize. Nine times out of ten, a heartfelt apology from the person receiving the scolding resolves the matter. On another hand, a contentious climate will only lead to a deadlock in the debate. Nobody wins.

So show one another like God is doing, and everyone benefits. If a private resolution cannot be reached, mediation may be used. Mediation can include one or two extra people. If two more people are invited, each party should choose one individual who is respected by everyone. Everyone should accept that the mediator(s)' resolution is final. Whatever is determined will be embraced and put into effect by both parties. The third alternative is church discipline. This openly expels from the communion anyone who is stubborn and determined to continue in serious sin while claiming to be a devoted disciple of Christ.

Indeed, one of Satan's most effective strategies is to deceive us into avoiding conflict until it explodes into misdirected confrontation. He makes us busy, expecting the problem or person would go away. However, being uninvolved gives the enemy an advantage. To interact with someone is to care. Ignoring or even gossiping about another person is betrayal. The mature disciple of Christ attempts to respectfully warn people about the repercussions of poor decisions. When you find the time to address someone, you may rescue them from embarrassment or humiliation. Give them an opportunity. Don't wait for them to fail; they deserve a chance. Grace provides them a chance to change.