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Enough Love To Persist

“Enough Love To Persist” By Kirk Hunt

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

Matthew 18: 15–16 NKJV
Please also read Matthew 18: 15–17

Confrontation is an act of love and loyalty. It is part of the healing protocol against moral and spiritual infection. One dose is not always enough. Godly men and women must persist in loving confrontation until there is change.

Jesus gave us a procedure for resolving conflict. We are commanded to have courage and speak, alone the first time, directly to an offending brother or sister. The goal is not hurt feelings but restoration. The best outcome is reconciliation driving out separation.

Men and women continue to sin (a specific way) either because they do not know better, or because they benefit (profit) from the sin. Persistent, Godly confrontation forces home the truth and degrades the benefit.

Human beings can be willful, obstinate creatures. While it is easy to recognize error and willfulness in others, it is more difficult to see it in yourself. Dismissing a single complaint is one thing. Dismissing a growing portion of your community is a different thing.

Persist in saying the truth, especially to power. Shine the lights of Scripture and publicity on injustice and wrongdoing. After a while, God’s righteousness will disinfect even the most deeply entrenched infection of sin.

Think: I must be persistent in Godly confrontation, an act of love and loyalty.

Pray: “Lord, help me to persist with love and grace, especially in confrontation.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Enough Love To Confront

“Enough Love To Confront” By Kirk Hunt

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.

Galatians 2: 11–12 NKJV
Please also read Galatians 2:11–12

Apostle Paul chose to confront Apostle Peter. No one would say, or even think, this act of courage made Paul an enemy of Peter. Real brothers and sisters refuse to let a sibling continue in error. Sometimes, confrontation is an act of love and loyalty.

Confrontation is rarely a pleasant activity for either side. Pain, grief and anger all too easily flow in, and from, the moment. After all, confrontation is not needed when everything is right and righteous.

Biblical confrontation is an act of love. It is an act of devotion and courage when parents confront a son or daughter about drugs. Things will only get worse if a husband does not confront his wife with evidence of infidelity. Consider the loyalty of a sister who confronts her friend about a moral failing.

The drug user will deny it. The adulterer will blame others. The fallen will make excuses. The strong and courageous will refuse to be deterred, despite the tears and harsh words.

God’s men and women confront their brothers and sisters in love, and with grace. Not to condemn, but to help start repentance and reconciliation. Acts of love are not always pleasant. Acts of loyalty are usually uncomfortable. Do them anyway.

Think: Godly confrontation is an act of love and loyalty.

Pray: “Lord, guide me in love and grace, especially in confrontation.”

His Command To Love

“His Command To Love” By Kirk Hunt

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:34 NKJV

Lots of folks are talking about “love” these days. Some are also speaking of brothers and sisters. If I really love men and women as my brothers and sisters, what actions should I take?

I am blessed with three brothers and a sister. We have had conflicts and words. No matter how angry we have been at each other, we have never once refused to protect, assist and support each other. Ever.

Jesus loved us first and best. Out of love, He laid down His life for us. He did not wait for us to stop being His enemy (Colossians 1: 19–22). He did not wait for us to stop sinning (Romans 5:8).

As a Christian, I should follow His example. If you are a Christian, I ask you to consider His example before you act. What can you do to prove to yourself that you follow His pattern?

Perhaps that means letting myself be wronged in order to win back a Gospel sibling (1 Corinthians 6: 7-8). It could mean pointing out a shortcoming in grace and humility (Matthew 18: 15–17). If the Apostles had conflicts, it should come as no surprise that today’s saints will not always see eye-to-eye (Galatians 2: 11–12).

I am blessed with numerous Gospel brothers and sisters. Some are not Christians yet. It is not always easy to love them, but I am following Jesus’ commandment and example.

Think: Love is a series of acts. Sometimes, acts of sacrifice.

Pray: “Lord, help me to love Your children as my brothers and sisters.”