Confrontational Christlikeness: Boldly Engaging the World with Love

Confrontational Christlikeness: A Guide to Engaging the World

Have you ever wondered how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, could be confrontational? It seems contradictory, doesn't it? Yet, as we dive into the Scriptures, we see a model of confrontational Christlikeness that challenges our preconceived notions.

The Kind of Man You Hate Reveals What Kind of Man You Are

It is often said that the company you keep reflects your character. In the same way, the kind of man you hate reveals what kind of man you are. Let's take a closer look at an encounter between two kings that sheds light on this truth.

Jehoshaphat, the righteous king of Judah, sat with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, to deliberate one question: Should they go to war together against Syria? Peace had lasted three years with the pagan nation, but Ahab desired the strategic city of Ramoth-gilead for Israel. He questioned aloud to Jehoshaphat, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” (1 Kings 22:3).

Jehoshaphat agreed to fight alongside Ahab, but he desired to seek counsel from the God of Israel first. Ahab, on the other hand, called his four hundred prophets, who, with one voice, gave their hearty agreement. “Go up,” they said, “for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king” (1 Kings 22:6).

Here we see the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Jehoshaphat sought the guidance of Yahweh, while Ahab surrounded himself with false prophets who told him what he wanted to hear. The kind of men from whom you solicit counsel tells us what kind of man you are.

These false prophets were no messengers of God. They were merely appeasing Ahab's desires, telling him what he wanted to hear. They lacked the conviction and courage to speak the truth. It is a sobering reminder that the voices we surround ourselves with can either lead us towards righteousness or deceive us.

Confrontational Christlikeness: A Paradox Worth Exploring

Now, let's delve deeper into the concept of confrontational Christlikeness. As followers of Jesus, we are called to imitate Him in all aspects of our lives, including our interactions with the world. But how can we be confrontational, yet still reflect the love and grace of Christ?

First, we must understand that confrontational Christlikeness is not about being combative or aggressive. It is about boldly speaking the truth in love, even when it may be uncomfortable or unpopular. Jesus Himself demonstrated this in His earthly ministry.

Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time, exposing their hypocrisy and challenging their false teachings. He didn't shy away from confronting sin, but He always did so with compassion and a desire for repentance. He was willing to engage in difficult conversations and confront the prevailing cultural norms of His day.

When Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13), He was confronting the corruption and exploitation that had infiltrated the house of God. He wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo and call out injustice.

Jesus also confronted His own disciples when they displayed wrong attitudes or misunderstandings. He lovingly corrected them, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of God's truth. His confrontations were not driven by personal vendettas or a desire for power, but by a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of those He encountered.

Confrontational Christlikeness: A Call to Action

So, how can we embody confrontational Christlikeness in our own lives? Here are some practical steps:

1. Seek God's Wisdom: Before engaging in any confrontation, seek God's wisdom through prayer and studying His Word. Allow His truth to guide your words and actions.


2. Speak the Truth in Love: Confrontation should always be motivated by love and a desire for the other person's well-being. Choose your words carefully, ensuring they are spoken with kindness and compassion.


3. Be Courageous: Confrontation can be intimidating, but remember that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit empowers and strengthens you. Trust in His guidance and step out in courage.


4. Listen and Understand: Confrontation is not just about speaking, but also about listening. Seek to understand the other person's perspective and be open to the possibility of growth and change for both parties.


5. Embrace Humility: Confrontation requires humility, as it acknowledges that we are not perfect and may also have areas in need of correction. Approach confrontations with a humble heart, willing to learn and grow.

By following these steps, we can navigate confrontational situations with grace and truth, just as Jesus did. We can stand firm in our convictions while extending love and understanding to those we encounter.

Confrontational Christlikeness in 2023 and Beyond

In the ever-changing landscape of our world, the need for confrontational Christlikeness remains as relevant as ever. As we look to the future, we can expect to encounter increasing opposition to the truths of the Gospel.

Confrontational Christlikeness is not about being combative for the sake of it, but about standing firm in our faith and boldly proclaiming the truth of God's Word. In a world that often rejects absolute truth and embraces relativism, we must be willing to engage in challenging conversations and confront the prevailing ideologies.

However, our confrontations must always be rooted in love. We must remember that our ultimate goal is not to win arguments or prove ourselves right, but to point others to the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ. We confront not out of a desire to condemn, but out of a deep love for the souls of those around us.

As we navigate the challenges of 2023 and beyond, let us be inspired by the example of Jesus. Let us embrace confrontational Christlikeness, boldly speaking the truth in love, and leading others towards the hope and redemption found in Christ alone.

May we be known as followers of Jesus who are unafraid to confront the darkness of this world, while still reflecting His love and grace in all that we do.