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How to Disagree & Confront

...in a Godly Way! (Galatians #5)


As time goes on, disagreements will arise.  This of course means that the need to confront will arise.

The ability to deal with disagreement issues in a godly manner is vital to spiritual and emotional health.

Galatians 2:1-10

Paul is going to Jerusalem to address the issue of legalism starting to creep back into the church.  Some were trying to teach that circumcision was still necessary.  Paul shows up with Barnabus and Titus in order to confront this issue and to preserve liberty. 

5 Key elements to healthy confrontation: 

1. Have a team mentality.

Paul had a team mentality.  He went to submit.  He went in with a team, to be a part of a team. 

A team mentality wants to be part of the solution.  It says “I’d like to submit my perspective, my thoughts.”

2. Submit your concerns in private.

“And it was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.”  – Galatians 2:2

Whenever you have issues to challenge with someone – go to them in private.  Don’t discuss the issues with forty different people –who are not even involved in the situation. 

Matthew 18:15-17

You never have a right to talk about anyone until you’ve talked to them first – especially those who are in leadership over your life. 

3. Try to meet face to face.

You can create a vain imagination about someone when you avoid putting your face in front of theirs.

Lack of communication is a breeding ground for vain imaginations.  It’s a whole different issue when you feel that person in front of you.

You may decide you disagree – but at least you can do that agreeably.

4. Take an objective viewpoint.

“All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.”   – Acts 15:12

We can never go into a confrontation thinking we are the absolute authority in the issue.  We don’t see the world as it is, but as we are.

Remember:  we are not allowed to judge motives – only God can do that.