Positive Confrontation

Steven Curtis Chapman's "Something Beautiful" reminds us that God is in control. "And God says, 'I'm gonna turn it into something different; I'm gonna turn it into something good. I'm gonna take all the broken pieces and make something beautiful like only I could.' So put it all in the hands of the Father. Give it up, give it all over to the only One Who can turn it into something beautiful." Remember to trust in God and give Him your problems, relying on Him for help along the way.

The central verse for today is, "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: "I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul."'" (2 Samuel 12:7, NIV)

Nathan needed to confront David and remind him who he was: the Lord's anointed leader. God appointed him to his position. Further, He led David positively and delivered him. God is in control. He knew what he was doing when he chose you to be a leader.

Maxwell notes that, "Confrontation can be a win-win situation, a chance to help and develop your people--if you do it with respect and with the other person's best interests at heart." Furthermore, "Each time you build up your people and identify their problems, you give them an opportunity to grow." (Maxwell)

Confrontation, while not usually easy, is sometimes necessary to correct a difficult situation or negative behavior. However, you should confront with positive intentions and in the right manner.

Maxwell presents ten guidelines for positive confrontation. (Each is a direct quote.)

1. Confront ASAP.
2. Address the wrong action, not the person.
3. Confront only what the person can change.
4. Give the person the benefit of the doubt.
5. Be specific.
6. Avoid sarcasm.
7. Avoid words like "always" and "never."
8. If appropriate, tell the person how you feel about what was done wrong.
9. Give the person a game plan for the problem.
10. Affirm him or her as a person and a friend.

Maxwell asks, "Is there someone you need to positively confront? How can you do so?"

If you are unsure whether or not you need to confront someone about a particular issue, ask God for guidance, then listen to His voice and follow His direction. Trust that He will lead you down the right path. He knows what He is doing!

God bless you!