Overcoming the Fear of Causing Confrontation
Although we want to consider the most effective means for communicating our message so others listen rather than constructing a wall, we cannot allow the concern of confrontation—for social "correctness"—to keep us from sharing altogether. God is not concerned with social correctness. He is concerned with the eternity of His children. And, He calls us to be concerned with their eternity as well—not with being polite.
If we are to follow in Christ's footsteps, we should consider His actions during His ministry. Did He avoid confrontation? No. Was His personal mission to avoid stirring the pot, as many of us have adopted? No. His mission was to spread the Gospel: "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15). His mission was to see people repent and be reunited with God. This ministry of reconciliation should also be our mission. The wonderful thing, however, is that God would not send us into a battlefield alone. He does not send us out there to be attacked or to engage in fruitless communication.
In fact, He says, "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sewer and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11). God would not send us out to share His word only to do so in vain. He is equally concerned with the lost receiving and understanding His message. This is why He tells us to always be prepared to share the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). And He tells us to do so with gentleness and respect.
We should not avoid sharing our faith for fear of confrontation ensuing. Instead we should pray for and consider ways to communicate the message of salvation effectively to avoid confrontation. There are both spiritual and practical ways to do so.
For some tips on minimizing confrontation as you witness, read the companion article in the Nov. 4, 2009 issue of Equipping
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