Just Between the Two of You
Small Group Session 5 Notes and Overview
Just Between the Two of You
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. - Galatians 6:1
KEY PRINCIPLE: Corrective Correction is a Sign of Genuine Love
1. God Calls Us to Lovingly Correct One Another.
Last week we looked at taking ownership for our part of the conflict. If you haven't done that, don't move on to this step! Once you have, we can lovingly correct one another (stress the love!)
2. Correcting Means More Than Confronting!
Confronting often leads to entrenched people battling, instead of friends, brothers and sisters gently correcting and restoring each other. Be careful you don't see the other person as an "opponent" or the enemy legal counsel! They are people created in God's image that you have a conflict with right now, but with whom God desires you to have a long-term, growing relationship.
The goal is redemption, the process is ministry, the result is restoration.
3. Sooner or Later, Talk FACE-To-FACE.
4. Go When Someone's Sins Are Too Serious To Overlook.
Four Questions To Ask About Whether You Should Confront:
- Is it dishonoring to God in a public or major way?
- Is this offense damaging our relationship?
- Is it hurting you or others?
- Is it hurting the offender?
For more on this topic, see REALationships Sermon Week 3: REbound
5. Special Considerations
- First, get the log out of your own eye. Go through the7 A's of Confession before you go through confrontation.
- Approach non-Christians gently.
- Respect those in authority.
- The key is to maintain respect.
- Deal cautiously with abuse.o tentatively...go repeatedly.