Grace and Peace from Our Lord Jesus Christ!
Speaking of peace, have you thought about how even confrontation can be done in an encouraging way rather than as a war cry? Paul David Tripp in War of Words suggests a model of confrontation that is an acrostic spelling ENCOURAGE.
“Examine your heart,” Tripp says because “confrontation always begins with you.” Don’t let this mean that you never actually talk to anyone else – but genuinely start by checking yourself and asking God for wisdom to see how you might change and grow. Remember in this as well that you cannot examine anyone else’s heart and your assumptions about others may often be wrong.
“Note your calling,” Tripp says because you are an ambassador. He says, “Remember that confrontation is not based on your opinion of the person.” You are trying to help others see what God sees and wants.
“Check your attitude,” Tripp says. He describes communication that will produce change as “words spoken in kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, forbearance, compassion, and love.”
Continuing the acrostic are: “Own your own faults,” “Use words wisely,” “Reflect on Scripture,” “Always be prepared to listen,” “Grant time for a response,” and “Encourage the person with the gospel.”
Confrontation that follows this model will actually be encouraging. The author of Hebrews tells us, “Let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25).
Recent Comments