Courage to Confront

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to "speak the truth in love." Truth and love combined reveals who God is. You see, people will be convinced by the truth when they experience God's character through you.

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 1 Kings 18:21 NLT

At this time in history, Israel had given herself over to idolatry and all sorts of perversions. In his mercy God sent Elijah the prophet to bring the people back to himself. A confrontation was needed. Truth was needed to be seen, and lies were to be exposed.

​Elijah's mission was to courageously confront the sin-hardened Israelites and their king. He did this through a contest on Mount Carmel. It is very interesting to note that the big confrontation of truth was actually a revelation of God's power. Elijah did not engage in a theological debate. He called out for God to show himself in power.

God does call us to confront people with the truth. But do we typically confront by debating? It is actually the revelation of God's character and power that changes everything. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to "speak the truth in love." Truth and love combined reveals who God is. You see, people will be convinced by the truth when they experience God's character through you.

Confronting someone with the truth without love is cowardly. In the same measure, "loving" someone and not telling them the truth is cowardly. It is being self-protective. This is not God's character. It takes courage to reveal the character of God in his love and truth.

Elijah prayed that the people would be encountered by God's power. And God showed up, consuming the whole altar with fire. It is your intercession that ultimately will be the greatest tool of confrontation. If you really long for someone to know the truth, pray hard for this revelation of God's power. His work, not your words, will be the breakthrough you are looking for.