Reading: The Power of Acknowledgement - Slides

Restoring Relationships
Transforming Justice

Lecture 17

The Power of Acknowledgement

The Power of Acknowledgement

The first step in using God’s power to restore relationships is confronting the Conflict Wildfire by going to the people who oppose us in the conflict.

The Power of Acknowledgement

The first step in using God’s power to restore relationships is confronting the Conflict Wildfire by going to the people who oppose us in the conflict.

The purpose in confrontation is not to prove that we are right. The purpose is restoration of relationship. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

This doesn’t mean we compromise the truth or have to agree about every issue in dispute. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

This doesn’t mean we compromise the truth or have to agree about every issue in dispute.

 It just means we are going in an attempt to restore the relationship. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

This doesn’t mean we compromise the truth or have to agree about every issue in dispute.

 It just means we are going in an attempt to restore the relationship. 

Restoring the relationship will better enable us to seek the truth, discuss perspectives and right any wrongs that may have occurred.

The Power of Acknowledgement

When someone is snared in the trap of offense, fruitful discussion of the issues is likely to be a frustrating endeavor. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

The second step on God’s path to restoration is the step of Acknowledgement or Confession. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

When someone confronts us in a Wildfire, the Lord provides us with an opportunity to consider our ways and humbly acknowledge our need for the Lord’s transforming work in any area of our life where something is exposed. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

After confrontation, we will experience one of three heart responses:  A Hard Heart – An Open Heart - A Broken Heart.

The Power of Acknowledgement

The hard heart is offended by the confrontation and resists the opportunity to acknowledge wrongdoing in the situation. 

The open heart will deny or disagree with the content of the confrontation, but is willing to dialogue toward reconciliation.

 The broken heart will reflect grief/sorrow. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

The Bible teaches that the exposure/confrontation of sin produces two types of grief/sorrow: worldly sorrow and godly sorrow. 

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

The Power of Acknowledgement

Worldly sorrow produces self-pity, excuses, embarrassment, blame, and a victim mentality. 

Godly sorrow produces repentance - a change in direction. 

The Power of Acknowledgement

When we acknowledge our sin or wrongdoing after we are confronted, our first response is to humbly confess our sin to God and ask for  His forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

The Power of Acknowledgement

Our second response after our sin is exposed is to confess our sin to those affected by it and to pray for them. 

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

The Power of Acknowledgement

How an acknowledgement or confession is communicated has a significant impact on whether reconciliation will occur - communicate with grace and wisdom. 

7 A’s of Confession
from The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande

Address everyone involved (All those affected by our sin); 

Avoid if, but, and maybe (Don’t excuse your wrongs); 

Admit specifically (Both attitudes and actions);

Acknowledge the hurt; 

7 A’s of Confession
from The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande

Accept the consequences (Such as making restitution); 

Alter your behavior (Change your attitudes and actions); 

Ask for forgiveness.  

The Power of Acknowledgement

After acknowledging/confessing our sin to someone, we have an opportunity to ask the most important question in conflict.

Will you forgive me?

Curious Questions

Is there anyone on your mind right now that you wronged in the past?

What might happen if you asked them to forgive you?

If they refuse to talk to you, could you write them a letter?

Will you pray about this and ask the Lord to lead you?

Lecture 17

The second step on God’s path to peace/restoration is to acknowledge or confess wrongdoing to those we have wronged.

 There are at least three heart responses to confrontation – A hard heart – An open heart – A broken heart. 

There are two types of sorrow when someone acknowledges wrongdoing – worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow.  

Lecture 17

A thorough acknowledgement of wrongdoing is beneficial in getting to restoration – don’t make excuses or blame others for your wrongs.

The most important question in conflict – Will you forgive me?