11-28-21 Daily Devotion

Sunday Reflection: The Art of Confrontation When difficult topics come up in a relationship, the best way to proceed is by listening to the Holy Spirit. November 28, 2021 To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout. Have you ever noticed how often Jesus said things people didn’t want to hear? He loved the rich young ruler but knew the prospect of giving up possessions would be distressing. Yet Jesus urged him anyway, because He wanted the young man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:16-22). Or consider the woman at the well—a conversation between a Jew and a Samaritan was taboo to begin with, but Jesus even brought up the disquieting topic of her relationships with multiple men. For Him, however, the discomfort was necessary to point her in the direction of eternal life (John 4:1-29). It’s tempting to think that if we’re nice and pleasing, then we are handling our friendships in a Christlike way. But Scripture makes it clear that keeping the status quo isn’t a Christian value. Instead, our main priority is to follow God’s Spirit—even if He leads us into uncomfortable conversations with people we love. Though we should encourage friends more often than we confront them, ultimately we’re to rely on the Holy Spirit to know when—and how—to do both. Think about it Are you inclined to avoid or engage in confrontation? How might that affect your response to the Spirit’s promptings? Bible in One Year: 1 Corinthians 4-6