Confrontation.

Our culture often labels confrontation as a misappropriation of anger and pride.

When most think of confrontation between people, they think of the yelling, amongst degrading words. I even asked my little sister what came to mind when she thought of confrontation -her response was, "arguing, and biting" ... ha. A spiritual bite sounds just as painful as the tangible kind. Thanks sister :)

I'd like to propose something different.

Confrontation between people :: the act of addressing an issue in utter humility in hopes of seeing spiritual growth for both parties

I wonder why so many people avoid confrontation, especially among fellow disciples. I don't recall ever hearing a sermon on confrontation within the church. Hmm.

I understand the hinderances in having a tough conversation in humility with someone who drives you nuts. Or someone who has hurt you. Or someone you know you have hurt. I understand why it's rather enjoyable to privately discuss the rash decisions other people make. I know all too well how easy it is to referee another persons spiritual walk and how normal it is discuss it with other people "because you care". Stop. it.

When brothers and sisters in Christ cannot selflessly approach one another, the issue will manifest itself in other ways affecting the very essence of the community.

In it's "purest form" confrontation between God's people is mandatory, healthy and an extraordinary opportunity for growth on an individual basis and a communal basis.

It's one way we can encounter a holistic spiritual season of growth. Which is the kind of spiritual growth we are all called to strive for. We are being conformed to His image for the sake of others.

I would like to encourage you all to understand a truer perspective of your spiritual journey towards wholeness. For the sake of others. Confrontation among your brothers and sisters in Christ is an amazing opportunity to encounter the redeeming power of God.

Justice.

I've been contemplating how God ushers in His justice.

I've been contemplating what justice even is.

I see a few different perspectives of justice. One perspective is the relational justice between God and His people. The other perspective is justice between people and their circumstances. They are contingent on each other.

:: In it's entirety, I've concluded that ultimate justice will have found us in the fulfillment of God's purpose, for our wholeness to be found in Him.

Circumstantial Justice ::

God offers a journey of profound wisdom for those who have been wronged, misunderstood, and discredited while under His authority. I am sure of this. There is a journey in those experiences that many run from. This is what I am in the midst of right now. A journey of wisdom and freedom. There is a mass amount of injustice in my life that still weighs heavy on my heart at times.

God surely continues to step within my perception.

Great wounds in my life have been brought by people whom have no conviction nor desire for penance. While that's an issue in and of itself in their relationship with God, I grieve as I endure the reality of broken relationships between brothers and sisters in Christ. I grieve, as I know, surely it grieves God's heart to see His kids author injustice between each other.

I reflect on God's perspective. He looks at the afflicted, abused, disregarded, and misunderstood and proclaims a transformation of character and an invitation to be healed by the wounds of this world. I know this to be true and deeply woven in my heart yet my mind plays the devils advocate at times. I ask why those whom have wronged me are thriving in their lives. It's as if it's a perpetual stabbing in the back.

Though my enemies remain flourishing, You, O Lord, are my steadfast hope. You, O Lord will make things right. If I didn't actually trust in who You claim to be and the justice you proclaim over your people, my hope would be folly. My pain would be fruitless. My tears would be trivial. My words would simply be hot air.

And the injustice in my life would be futile.

But because I continue on this journey,

:: You counteract every and all plans that are not for the good of who you've created in me. Because of the faith I have in You, You rectify the foolishness this world labels my life as.

Relational Justice ::

In utter submission and obedience, great revelations are to be had. I've seen how justice has indeed been put into motion in my life. Sin brings injustice to our relationship with Christ. It oppresses our perception in seeing His truer perspective and ultimately separates us from Him. That is injustice.

:: But see how God is bringing justice to our sinful nature as we encounter Him and become closer to being in a freeing and reconciled union with Him.

His Expression.

I'm wholly convinced that our Creator is for us.

He is for us encountering Him.

He is for us knowing Him.

He is for us perceiving His revelations.

We have a built in disposition to repel and resist the revelations of God.

But because we are loved by our Father He sends the Holy Spirit, who counteracts our ignorant and defiant ways, giving us ears that hear and eyes that are no longer blinded to His truth.

:: He is for us encountering Him.

As if that doesn't speak enough volume into the loving heart of a Creator for His creation, He continues to pursue us through His Word. God, Himself accommodates the small measure of our brains as He breathed scripture out to fit within the confines of our capacity of language.

:: He is for us knowing Him.

God reveals Himself to us in the scriptures which transcend all generations and address all eras of His creation . He communicates to us in beautiful analogies that paint a glimpse of who God is. We can step into a knowledge of who God is as we look at human experiences and God's experiences of Himself in scripture.

:: He is for us perceiving His revelations.

It's a mystery as to why we are sons and daughters of the King.

Retrogress.

I can look at the many progressions in my life ::

Age 14 and wanting to be someone who is loved and known

Age 16 and trying so hard to be known and loved by the "it" crowd

Age 18 and doing my best to keep up the facades and deceit

Age 19 and cycling this roundabout of discontentment

Age 20 and realizing my life of hypocrisy

Age 21 and experiencing sin go sour within my stomach

Age 22 and allowing Truth to disintegrate the chains that bind me

Age 23 and encountering a God who restores and brings meaning

Age 24 and remaining in the realities of my heart

:: I love what God asks of His disciples, because as you remain obedient in His precepts, breakthrough and progression is inevitable.

Psalm 19:7-9 ::

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.

The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous."

As I recognized all the ways in which God ushers in breakthroughs, I also thought a moment about the times in which I've retrogressed into old habits and mindsets. As frustrating as those moments are, I am favored as God reveals why this happens.

The moments I find my mind reverting back to any old mindset, I'm reminded of the flawless wisdom God has given to us in Psalm 19:7-9. In what ways am I failing to grasp the reality and validity of these verses?

God's authority says ::

( Psalm 19:7-9 )

When you obey my laws your soul will be revived.

My laws will remain steadfast and the wisdom they hold is apparent

What I say is free from error and in that find comfort and merriment

Continue under my resplendent authority so that I may reveal sin for what it truly is

The wonder and mystery of who I am will eternally remain unequivocal

When I can allege to God's authority and place myself under it, in all of my thoughts and decisions, any retrogression will cease to exist.

May you see the perfect commands of a God who overrides the meaninglessness of our lives and liberates His people from themselves.