Reading: The Reconciliation Triangle and the Firetrap of Offense by Brian DeCook

The Reconciliation Triangle and the Firetrap of Offense

Scripture references: Gal. 6:1; John 16:7-8; Rom. 12:18

1.         The reconciliation triangle - confrontation, confession, and forgiveness - is not a formula that guarantees reconciliation in every conflict.

2.        At every stage of the reconciliation process the world, the flesh, and the devil will work to keep the Wildfire burning until they get what they want. The enemy will bait the trap of offense at each stage.

3.         When someone confronts us with our sin, we might be tempted to take offense at the confrontation and make excuses for our sin, deny that we have sinned, or attack the person confronting us. The person confronting us can be tempted to take offense if we disagree or refuse to acknowledge our sin. It is the Holy Spirit's role to bring conviction of sin, not ours. Gal. 6:1; John 16:7-8

4.         When we confess sin, we might be tempted to take offense when we make an honest confession, but the person we sinned against criticizes or discounts our confession.

5.         When we forgive someone, we might be tempted to extend shallow forgiveness, fake forgiveness, or a forgiveness that is motivated by something other than our love for the Lord. The person we are willing to forgive might be offended if we tell the person that we forgive them before that person acknowledges and confesses sin.

6.         If offense occurs during attempts at reconciliation, remain at the Peacefire, give thanks, and wait patiently on the Lord. He is always at work. Rom. 12:18