Session 2

How To Handle Confrontation

From 1 Peter: A 20-Day Devotional

We’ve all seen it or maybe even done it. Perhaps it’s a Facebook meme or status update that strikes a chord in our heart and compels us to respond from a Christian perspective. But so often, comments become hostile and condemning rather than compassionate and loving.

Jesus wants us to be equipped to defend our faith and point others to Him, but He also wants us to do it with gentleness and respect. Our faith and our beliefs are reflected in our words and deeds. When we are firmly rooted in Christ, we are eager to share what Jesus has done instead of what others are doing wrong.     

We create a strong foundation by spending time with Jesus. As we grow our relationship with Jesus and become more like Him, others notice the change in us and want to know “the reason for the hope that [we] have” (1 Peter 3:15).  Because of our strong foundation, we are not shaken into defensiveness. Instead, we are prepared to answer with confidence, gentleness and respect. Rather than responding with judgment and condemnation, we can speak truth in love, just as Jesus did (Romans 8:1).

When we’re confronted by differing opinions and behaviors, the best place to draw wisdom and compassion is from the foundation upon which our belief is built: Jesus!

Reflect:

• How do you respond to when people promote inaccuracies about your faith?
• What’s one way you can increase the likelihood of responding how Jesus would respond?
• Has there ever been a time when defensiveness got the better of you? What happened? What did you learn from that experience?