Leveraging The 3-Step Confrontation Process of Jesus

Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.    - Isaiah 42: 1-3 (NLT)

Miscommunication occurs daily, if not hourly, in the workplace and marketplace. Lack of clear and concise communication leads to miscommunication and misunderstanding, which can ultimately lead to confrontation.

Being a humble servant of God does not mean that you can’t be confrontational. The key is in the way in which you manage the situation and communication with the people with whom God leads you to confront. Notice that I emphasize here that we should be led by God in our confrontations with others as opposed to just being led by our personal agenda, anger, frustration, or other selfish inclinations of the flesh. If God desires for you to confront someone, He will send the Holy Spirit to encourage and guide you. And He will provide the appropriate opportunity and setting.

When we are led by God to confront someone, it’s critical that we approach confrontations in a respectful manner regardless of whether we are dealing with a person who is a colleague, a superior, or a subordinate. Galatians 6:1-10 encourages us to always seek to do good for one another and to confront or restore others with a spirit of gentleness.

Let’s consider our professional coach and role model, Jesus, as an example. Jesus was confrontational. The Bible describes numerous incidents in which Jesus confronted others, but He was confrontational in a respectful way that conveyed kindness, wisdom, and compassion. For instance, when Jesus corrected Martha in Luke 10:38-42, He did so in a kind and respectful manner, saying:

Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

- Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV)

In this passage, Jesus employs a 3-step process when He confronts Martha by:

1. Acknowledging feelings and concerns (e.g., “you are worried and troubled”).

1. Sharing godly wisdom and advice (e.g., “only one thing is needed”).

1. Offering practical suggestions and examples to enhance learning (e.g., “Mary has chosen that good part").

Another example of the confrontation methods of Jesus involves times when He healed individuals who were blind and mute and cast demons out of others. The Pharisees had the audacity to question His ability to cast out demons without the help of a demon (Matthew 12:22-30; Mark 3: 20-27)!  In this particular case, Jesus used the same approach He used with Martha in confronting the Pharisees to help them understand how preposterous their questions and comments were.

In confronting the Pharisees, Jesus, 1) acknowledges their feelings and concerns by asking them a number of thought-provoking questions such as, “How can Satan cast out Satan?”(Mark 3:23, NKJV).

He then, 2) shares godly wisdom with them regarding the fact that “if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:25-28, NKJV).

And Jesus, 3) offers practical suggestions to the Pharisees by clearly affirming truth and encouraging them to be with Him and not against Him, because this is the only way to achieve forgiveness and eternal salvation (Matthew 12:30-32).

How might you leverage the 3-step confrontation process of Jesus with your colleagues, employees, clients, customers, suppliers, and others?

Jesus is a living testament of the effectiveness of following God’s communication guidelines and confronting others in truth, peace, and wisdom. His three-step confrontation process of acknowledging feelings, sharing wisdom, and offering practical suggestions worked for Him, and it will work for you. It is a wise, straightforward, and powerful approach that you can use during those times when God leads you to confront others.

Seeking God's Will, Even When We Don't Understand

This Week’s Devotional PROMISE:   Source: "Promises From God’s Word for Men" When you seek God’s will and obey His commandments, you will be blessed.

“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” Mark 3:35

When Jesus confronted the reality of His impending death on the cross, He asked God that this terrible burden might be lifted. But as He faced the possibility of a suffering that was beyond description, Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

As Christians, we too must be willing to accept God’s will even when we don't fully understand the reasons for the hardships that we must endure

When we lose a loved one, experience profound loss, confront circumstances that trouble us to the very core of our souls, when we are worried or anxious, darkness overwhelms us for a while and it seems as if we cannot summon the strength to face another day, but with God’s help we can. We must trust God and turn our concerns over to Him and listen to the quiet assurance of God’s promises. By placing our lives in His hands we learn that He is our shepherd today and throughout eternity. Let us trust the Shepherd.

“Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved" Proverbs 16:3

Have a happy and Safe 4th of July, everyone!

Faith Always Conquers Adversity

“Whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world, our faith" 1 John 5:4

From time to time all of us face adversity, disappointment, and loss. Old Man Trouble pays periodic visits to each of us; none of us is exempt. When we are troubled, God stands ready and willing to protect us. Our responsibility of course is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer in His own time and in accordance with His own perfect plan.

Psalm 145 promises “The Lord is near to all who call on Him. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; He hears their cry and saves them”

Have a blessed week, everyone!

What Kind of Example Are You?

This Week’s Devotional PROMISE: When you live in the light and set a good example for others to follow, your actions will be pleasing to God.

“For you were once in darkness, but now you are in the light of the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – discerning what is pleasing to the Lord" Ephesians 5:8-10

OK, here is a question: What kind of example are you? Are you the kind of person whose life serves as a powerful example of decency and morality? Are you a positive role model for others? Does your life reflect the character of Jesus? If yes, you are not only blessed by God, but you are also a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs positive influences such as yours.

We live in a dangerous, temptation-filled world. That’s why you encounter so many opportunities to stray from God’s commandments. Resist those temptations! God, our spouses, children, and communities are watching us as spiritual leaders and counting on us to make a difference.

Your life is a sermon. What kind of sermon will you preach? The words you choose to speak will have a significant impact on others but not as much impact as the life you choose to live.

“Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teachings" Titus 2:7

Have a Blessed week, my friends.

Life is a Team Sport

This Week’s PROMISE: “When we encourage each other and share the good news of Christ, we are following God’s will by obeying His Word" Galatians 6:2 “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

Life is a team sport, and all of us need occasional pats on the back from our teammates. As Christians we are not only called upon to spread the good news of Christ but to spread a message of encouragement and hope to the world.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen”. Paul reminds us that when we chose our words carefully, we can have a powerful impact on those around us.

So, today be a world-class source of encouragement to everyone you meet.

Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word cheers it up”