Hands up everyone who likes confrontation! Few things are more painful than having to confront someone. We want to ‘make love, not war’ and ‘be a lover, not a fighter’! But if you need to, how do you confront right?

Problem: Sinful Hearts
· Full of evil; deceitful (Eccl 93; Jer 179)
· “I’m right!” (Judg 2125; Prov 1215; 212)
· Before you confront, check your own response! (Prov 1218)
· Twelve Magic Words
I am sorry.
I was wrong.
Please forgive me.
I love you.

When To Confront (Matt 16:21-23)
· A person is a stumbling block to others (1 Cor 89)
· A person is a stumbling block to the gospel (Gal 211-16)
· A person is fixed on his own interests, not God’s (Phil 221)

Why To Confront (Luke 22:31-34)
· Because you know the dangers of sin (1 Pet 58; Gal 61)
· Because you desire to save his soul! (Jms 519-20)

How To Confront
· Only after self-examination and prayer (Mt 71-5; Lk 2232)
· If possible, go to your brother in private (Mt 1815; Gal 61)
· Plan for restoration, not condemnation!

If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.
Matthew 18:15 (NASV)