COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE

COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE
Recently I had referenced a passage in James, which addresses Divinely given wisdom. I pointed out, though I did not develop the idea, that a person who has wisdom from above, is a person that can easily be entreated, approached, confronted, called upon, counseled.

James 3:17-18
(17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
(18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

FRIENDLY CONFRONTATION
Last evening I arranged for everyone randomly, to either confront or be confronted in the meeting. The confrontations were warm, positive and pleasant, rather than searching and admonishing. The "confronter" had to stand in front of the other person and commend him/her for some outstanding quality in his/her life. It had to be sincere.

EVERYONE
Everyone participated, from the 4 year old up (17 of us), adults and children alike. Sometimes it worked out that parent spoke to child or vise versa, and sister spoke to brother and cousin spoke to cousin, aunt and nephew, as well as friend with friend.

GUIDELINES
I chose the easy approach of complimenting rather than admonishing. It was a good entry level exercise. I thought there were some very good moments. I then pointed out that small groups can use this exercise for personal growth. This requires that both parties be up to date in victory and abundant in love. This also requires humility, submission, desire for truth and willingness to change.

One of the good things about being commended is that the person then has to maintain that positive trait, if he wants to be consistent in his walk with Jesus.

I think it is better if close friends, and peer groups do this; children with children and adults with adults. There should be one person in the group, on that given night, who will be on the receiving end of the discussion, including both positive and negative observations. It should not be a one way deal, but a group activity. When one person points out a negative or positive, others should be able to voice their agreement or disagreement. The recipient should be able to respond with questions, but there should not be any attack or defensiveness by anyone. The point is edification and encouragement, not condemnation. There should be positive input for personal change to take place.

Each meeting or group should be moderated by an elder or mature Christian, preferably a person and group that has been approved by the Pastor. After all, he is the shepherd and he should have wisdom and discernment concerning spiritual confrontation and edification. This is not a time for self improvement, but a time of spiritual searching and surrender to the Holy Spirit, and submission to the word of God. Therefore there must be an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

This can be a very helpful exercise. If you try it with a group, let me know how it goes.