"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" Ephesians 4:15
We have asserted that love is the motivation, the mission and the means behind evangelism and discipleship.
The love that can sustain effective evangelism over a lifetime is a committed love, a courageous love, and in this lesson we will see that it is confronting love.
Godly love is willing to confront an attitude or an action that is ungodly.
How can you say you love your brother if you notice inappropriate behavior and fail to confront it?
Love believes the best of brothers and sisters in faith. Love calls out the best in those others. That means encouraging the right and holy things in fellow believers but it also means confronting them kindly when they are careless toward sin.
Notice I said confront not criticize.
There is a big difference between the two.
When you confront your goal is to help your brother. You confront by beginning with a positive compliment, then confront the problem and end with a prayer and a promise to help be part of the solution.
Criticism is usually not meant to be helpful. Often a critical comment is made in a bad spirit to defame or discourage another. Most criticisms are given to point out a weakness or failure without a promise to help.
Who do you love enough to confront?
Who do you trust enough to allow them permission to confront you?
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