Confrontation does not mean no respect!

Scripture Read: 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, ² the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity

Application: Your Word Lord is so practical in everyway. Yes, we are taught many doctrinal issues that are so important, but we are also brought down to the everyday “nitty-gritty” of life. Paul moves from that deep instruction about False teachers and guarding our doctrine, and gives us straight forward instruction on how believers should treat each other on an “everyday” basis. He gave us further instruction in his writing to the Galatians:

Gal 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.

Often, particularly “we theologians” are so~ focused on doctrine, we miss the application and how it should change our lives. That certainly was the Pharisees’ problem. If the “doctrine” of Christ does not come out in our actions toward one another, what good is it? Jesus would not be happy about that, He spoke most fiercely against that kind of religion. His brother James wrote a whole book exposing the hypocrisy of head knowledge only! What is so great about this passage is that it also answers the question about how to deal with “authority” in the body of Christ, because age carries with it respect which often translates into authority. Older men and women have a natural authority in society that we become accustomed to. We who are older should be examples of humility, not demanding or using our position for our own acclaim. Whether young - men or women, “we” should not be trying to correct by putting down or being rude, instead we should show respect always, especially when it deals with issues where the older person has done wrong, showing love always, so that they will know us by our love, first.

It should be mentioned, we are not left in silence concerning the question of dealing with the brother or sister in a fault or in sin. Your Word makes it clear that there should be accountability, but our approach should be measured. Here, the Greek really helps us. Paul tells us not to “sharply rebuke” an older person.

ἐπιπλήσσω  epiplḗssō; from epí, upon, and plḗssō, to strike. To strike or give blows upon, to beat. In the NT, used only metaphorically meaning to chide, rebuke to chastise with words, to rebuke, reprove.^[1]

We may still confront the wrong, but we need to guard our approach. Instead of speaking firmly from a superior position, even though we are in the right, we should temper ourself because our goal iis to restore, not show who is right or wrong. The word “appeal” in the original expresses that:

Παρακαλέω  parakaléō; from pará, to the side of, and kaléō, to call. To aid, help, comfort, encourage. Translated: to comfort, exhort, desire, call for, beseech ^[2]

Interestingly, we get our word παράκλητος paráklētos,  from this, which of course is the word used as the name for the Holy Spirit. The picture we have from these words is a command to “come alongside” as we see the Holy Spirit even described also as the Comforter. Not to ignore the wrong, but we are to “come alongside” and encourage the older believer to do what is right. In each relationship mentioned we cannot forget our “family” connection – mother, brother and sister. This places the highest expectation on how we should love one another. Lord let me be a reflection of You.

Meditation Questions: When you confront someone what is the main thing in your mind? What steps do you take before you confront someone? What steps do you take after you confront someone? Have you ever been confronted? How did it feel? What could have been done better? What does the word respect mean to you? Is respect earned or given? Can you show respect to a person you do not respect? What does that look like? Why would you do that? 

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Ibid