Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
Singapore
March 13, 1995
Good Morning!
ON CARING ENOUGH TO CONFRONT:
A few years ago my wife and I spent the evening in the home
of friends who were highly respected in the Christian community.
While backing the car out of their driveway, I commented to her
that I felt there was something amiss in the family.
Then I second guessed myself with, "Well, I could be wrong...it's
just an impression. Besides, we shouldn't meddle in other people's
lives." Soon we were home and the thought dismissed.
Two years later the couple was divorced: The culmination of years of deep seated but well hidden family problems. The wife and children were left devastated and desolate.
The question I must ask myself when faced with friends who may
be in trouble is, "Do I care enough to confront
them?"
Or am I more worried about their rejection of me? About being
wrong? Or about "getting too involved?"
Jesus cared enough to confront. When challenged by Peter
to not go to the cross He retorted,
"Get behind Me, Satan...you are not setting your mind
on God's interests, but man's." (Matthew 16:23)
Pretty stiff confrontation, wouldn't you say? Yet Christ's love
for Peter is unquestioned.
James, the half brother of Jesus writes,
"...If anyone has slipped away from God and no
longer trusts the Lord and someone helps him understand the
Truth again, that person who brings him back to God will have
saved a wandering soul from death, bringing about the forgiveness
of his many sins." (James 5:19, 20 - Life Application Bible)
The opposite of love may not be hate but indifference.
Therefore, when I choose to not confront a brother who
may be in trouble, it is possible that I SIMPLY DO
NOT CARE...AT LEAST ENOUGH TO CONFRONT?
That kind of INDIFFERENCE is not evidence of Calvary
love.
Have a great week!
Dwight Hill
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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