This week in the Men of Grace & Granite, Jerry Wragg continued our study in the Biblical Counseling series with “Learning to Love One Another by Confronting”.

As a matter of conscience, we are always evaluating and considering what sin to cover and what sin to confront.  Was it a momentary lapse without a repetitive pattern then we can cover and forgive lavishly?  Or is there an exhibited pattern, unreconciled differences, sin splatter, and/or a need to restore damaged relationships among each other and with the Lord?  In these latter situation, we are commanded to loving restore the sinner through confrontation or admonishment.  It is love that rescues souls.  We first forgive and then we can move into the lives as an instrument of grace.  We have laid aside our right to judge, so we can help a brother or sister be fully reconciled to God and to each other.

Admittedly, these conversations can be difficult and practice is needed.

1. Love drives the confrontation.
   • The recipient is often humiliated when their sin is revealed.
   • We must be humble in our delivery.
2. Edification providing the need in the moment is key (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6)
   • There are sensitivities and carefulness that is required.
   • We speak with a heart of compassion.
3. Galatians 6:1-10 is our key passage; verse 1 – the command is clear; we must help people with sin.

The spiritual principles of confrontation as described in Galatians 6:

• The sin is known.  (These are not gray areas or matters of conscience c.f. Romans 14)
• You must be the spiritual one. (Spirit-filled; state of grace).
• The goal is healing/restoration by God’s grace.
• Do it in a spirit of gentleness (Proverbs 15:1); nothing personal added.
• Know your own heart in full awareness; take head to yourself, so you are not tempted and stumble.  (i.e. tempted to be angry with a poor response, tempted to the same kinds of sin).

The session ended with a nice examination of how skilled Paul was in the confrontation with Peter in Galatians 2.  Be sure to study and practice the art of asking questions in a confrontation.  This kind of question is not investigative, but instead it is an indicting question requiring an answer before the Lord.  Paul asked Peter (Galatians 2:14), "If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”  It would be helpful if all of us practiced this model.

Please join us next week for The Men of Grace & Granite on our new day --- Tuesday, September 6th at 6:00am in the Fellowship Hall.