There are times in all of our lives when we need to confront. For some, confrontation is easier than for others. Francis Schaeffer said, Truth carries with it confrontation. Truth demands confrontation; loving confrontation, but confrontation nevertheless. If our reflex action is
always accommodation regardless of the truth involved, there is something wrong." Confrontation often has a negative connotation, but biblical confrontation, done in love, can be the greatest platform for change and influence.
Here are eight principles that will help you when you need to confront in love:
1. Anything and everything can be worked out.
2. Deal with the issues at hand, then forgive and forget.
3. Keep a low tone of voice and speak slowly.
4. Depersonalize everything.
5. Remember that there are two sides to every story.
6. Ask for forgiveness. Even if you believe you were right and the other person was wrong in a disagreement, you can certainly say with sincerity, "I'm sorry if I upset you. That was never my intention."
7. Never discuss issues of intentional conflict on the phone or via email.
8. Never talk about anything important when you are tired.
Good words to consider. These are taken from Am I Making Myself Clear? by Terry Felber -- quoted in Leading With Billy Graham by Jay Dennis -- Baker Books
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