Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Confrontation
But I'm happy now, not because I made you uncomfortable, but because the distress I caused you has led you to change the way you think and act. You were distressed in a godly way, so we haven't done you any harm. In fact, to be distressed in a godly way causes people to change the way they think and act and leads them to be saved. No one can regret that. But the distress that the world causes brings only death. 11 Corinthians 7:9-10 GW
Often when we refuse to confront out of fear or embarrassment, we also close our minds to the larger picture. Every one of us needs people in our lives willing to confront us when we get off track.
But confronting because we care is a sign of love, not dealing with problem is a sign we don't care enough. How can a problem be dealt with if it isn't recognized or with no guidance?
The truth all good parents know is that confrontation is part of being a loving parent--if we want children who understand right from wrong, and grow up to be individuals of integrity, responsibility and faith. It means we care.
Being a friend isn't so different. Do I care enough to lovingly confront when intervention is called for?
Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse. Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt. Do not warn a mocker, or he will hate you. Warn a wise person, and he will love you. Give advice to a wise person, and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will learn more. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:7-10a GW
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