As It Depends On You, Part 3
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
CONFLICT
WHY we should be willing to confront those we love.
"Well it's true isn't it?"
Telling people the truth is only half of the equation.
Wrong motives for confronting people:
- We want RELIEF
- We are looking for REVENGE
- We like to be in CONTROL
Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Psalm 85:10 [NLT]
"Truth cannot be divided from love."
"Loving people should tell the truth, and truthful people should be loving."
"Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."
Hebrews 12:14-15 [NLT]
The first thing I want us to notice is where the writer of Hebrews tells us to...
1. "look after each other..."
In the Greek language, it means "to inspect each other diligently."
2. "so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God."
In the Greek language, it means "so that no one is left behind in the race and fails to reach the goal."
What should we be looking for in each other's lives?
3. "Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."
MSG, "Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time."
- Behaviors
- Speech
- Attitudes
Why should we confront someone we love? Because we want God's best for them!
