It has been curious to me what I perceive as the current concept in Christiandom of speaking the “truth in love”, or more specifically the lack thereof. This point of view seems to believe that the Christian thing to do with a fellow Christian is to not confront then or to tell the truth. To speak the truth might offend and of course this would be unchristian. It seems the only way to act Christian would be to make someone feel good or more comfortable.
The picture I get of Jesus from Scripture is one of a straight shooter who didn't pull any punches. He did not soft peddle when dealing with the Pharisees or his own disciples for that matter. When wrong practices were going on in the temple he physically took action and cleaned house. When the women caught in adultery was confronted Jesus told her to leave her life of sin.When Peter tried to persuade Him not to go to the cross he rebuked him and even referred to him as Satan. Today if a Christian was actually to act like Christ he would be considered unchristian and judgmental. Is it unchristian to take a stand for God over clear biblical teachings? Is it unchristian to tell someone to stop sinning? Is it unchristian to tell a fellow Christian that he is wrong and not in step with Biblical standards? Of course the answer to all these is a resounding NO! The example of Scripture is that to be a Christian you have to act like Jesus. Although this doesn't really preach well sometimes to be a Christian you might be offensive after all Jesus was at times.
If this picture of Christ is Biblically accurate then the converse of the popular church model is correct. It is not Biblical or Christian to look the other way or to be non confrontational in regards to clear biblical teaching.I wonder if avoiding confrontation ultimately really helps the offended, the offender or the rest of the body. When asked WWJD? My response is that he would confront and speak the truth in love no matter weather is was well received or not.
