Confrontation

One of the marks of the body of Christ is loving one another through biblical confrontation. Please do not misunderstand me. The mark of loving biblical confrontation does not look anything like a person in the church with the "gift of discernment" who confronts others with a critical spirit. Neither does it resemble the confrontation we see or hear among the news media for the purpose of defending liberty and freedom. Loving biblical confrontation follows the commands of the writer of Hebrews who says, "But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13) The apostle Paul also exhorts the church, "Brothers (brothers and sisters), if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness." (Galatians 6:1) Therefore the church is called to lovingly confront one another when struggling with sin in a biblical manner so that the church may endure and persevere in following Christ for his glory in the way of holiness. Confrontation is necessary between brothers and sisters in the church, between husbands and wives, children and their parents and other relationships within the church.

I was reminded of this while reading a blog post by pastor Thabiti Anyabwile. In his post he summarizes Paul Tripps instruction on confrontation using the acrostic ENCOURAGE from his book War of Words. I encourage you to read the post and order a copy of Paul Tripps book. I think both are helpful during a time when we are not sure how to carry out loving biblical confrontation.