Sometimes we’re called to confront. And honestly, sometimes I hate that. But that doesn’t get me off the hook.
But not every situation calls for the nuclear option that Paul seems be “deploying” in Acts 13:9-10.
Different situations require different kinds of confrontation. Sometimes it might be a person who doesn’t have all the information and has drawn wrong conclusions. I think you do your best to reason with them. Or, sometimes a person willfully distorts the truth. Depending on the magnitude of the situation, you’ll need to decide the best way to go. But always ask the Holy Spirit to direct you.
Your situation may call for diplomacy. In Acts 17:2 we read that Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” This same Paul who “lost it” (as he was “filled with the Holy Spirit”) in Acts 13, reasoned in a different situation. Sounds strange I know, but both responses can be Spirit-filled responses, and it all depends on the situation.
Solomon put it this way in Ecclesiastes 3; there’s: a time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace. So we need to ask ourselves: “Is this a time to keep silent, or a time to speak? Is this a time to love, or a time to hate some obvious evil? Is this a cause for hard confrontation, or is this a time for a softer, more diplomatic approach?
October 12, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I am in a position of confrontation on a daily basis. I feel sometimes the devil uses my own husband against me, and all because he is not in a place of understanding, or saved yet. Trying daily not to come across as self-righteous is a chore for me. Knowing that I know better in many areas that we disagree, yet I have to behave in such a way that is sometimes out of character for me. I dont usually let things slide, I face it head on, even as an attack somehow, but how can I talk of the love of Jesus, if it is not reflected in my actions everytime.. its not easy. And so I have to bite my tongue in many cases… pray for His wisdom, and just trust that…. even though I cant see the solution… God does have a plan for my husband.
I have to live each and every day now with words of wisdom given to my by my dad years ago ;
” You are a master over the words you DO NOT say, however, you are a slave to the words you DO say.”
Be prayful in everything you do, in all that you say, for you are a representative of the King, and you dont want to send a message that will make our God less appealing to those who do not know him yet.
Please keep my husband Chris Hollis in prayer, that God will reveal himself in such a way, that he will wonder what in the world he waited so long to know someone so beautiful.
Also keep my dad in prayer, Stan Lonas who always encourages me to trust the Lord for my husband salvation.
October 12, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I will pray for you and your loved ones and your situation.