confrontation part2

a log and a speck
matthew 7:3-5
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Before you decide it's time to confront someone, before you go up to them, examine yourself. See what wicked way is in you. Make sure that your heart is right and your reason for wanting to confront it appropriate.

Notice that Jesus does not say that we are to avoid helping a brother with a speck in their eye, only that we are to get rid of our own issue, a massive log, first. Jesus is talking about the obvious need of having your priorities in line.

If I have a big ol piece of something in my teeth I would appreciate you telling me so I don't go walking around talking to people - when none of them are going to pay attention to me since they'll all be starring at the chunk of whatever on my lateral incisor.

Be honest, if I have some kicking breath and we're talking - you are not really listening. You are trying to avoid inhaling the funk halitosis I got going on. It doesn't matter what we're discussing, you're not listening! You're just trying to get away!

In such a scenario as this, as silly and yet as oddly practical as it is, we still need to help a brother out. Now I can be a jerk about it. I can loudly proclaim the lettuce wedged into your bicuspid and make a spectacle of you OR I can quietly, when nobody is paying attention, tell you to check out your grill or give you a tooth pick - something! If, no, when that's me, please look out for me and let me know.Even in this story we can see a right way and a wrong way to confront and yet there is still a need to have an uncomfortable conversation.

Let's flip that story for a moment to make it fit a bit more. Pretend that you are coming up to let me know about the breath issue I got going on, all the while you have coffee teeth, your fly's down and you've got about a mile of toilet paper hanging off your shoe. You might want to make sure you got your stuff in order before your start coming at me, don't cha think?

Conclusion:
Care about each other. Look out for each other, always in love, and always check yourself first.