One of the hardest thing I have to do sometimes is to confront people as I sense God’s leading to do so. It is not something I enjoy, in part because it makes for a lot of stress in me, but in greater part because it does not always go well. Fortunately I don’t have to do this often. Sometimes however, I get a glimpse of God’s work through it. This week, I received an email from a man who I confronted nearly six years ago. Here is some of what he said…
It’s been far too long since we connected. The last time we spoke was in the parking lot… back in 2003. You took the time to drive all the way out to deliver a message to me that was on your heart. It was a message of reproof that I wish I would have heeded more seriously. You confronted me on… (details deleted) This past summer God has brought this to my attention once again through another brother. I’ve taken some time to take it to the Lord and the Lord revealed something to me. (details deleted) But the Lord reminded me that you were trying to speak to me in love by coming out that day and I did not receive it like I should have!
Please forgive me first for not respecting you and your ministry… I was immature and disrespectful to you and others. Second, please forgive me for not listening more carefully to you as you tried to correct me as a brother. Thank you for being willing to speak the truth in love. Thank you for caring that much.
Too often we miss the times when God wants us to speak tough truth to someone out of love. I seriously considered not confronting this guy. It would have been easier to just brush it off and walk away from the relationship. I have done that and found it does not help. Culture around us encourages us to leave things alone and not stir the pot. But God has other plans for us as believers. I am thankful for the rare opportunity to see how God used this one.
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