By Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
It has been my experience that most people when you try to correct someone that eventually you end up hearing how unloving you are and how mean it is for you to point out their error. It seems no matter what tone you take with folks you always end up being the so-called bad guy. You try and try and you give them book, chapter and verse and yet you are the legalist the anti and many other names in their book.
They do not stop to think even the apostles corrected one another. Just read what Paul said about and to Peter, Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Paul saw that what Peter was doing was wrong and he corrected him. He did it openly and in public for all to see. To know that someone loves your soul enough to correct you so that you do not continue to go astray in sin is a wonderful thing. I have had brothers correct me in the past and I would hope they love me enough to do so in the future if needed.
Yes, it is sometimes a bitter pill to swallow, pride far to often gets in the way of repentance. We need to remember what is written in the Proverbs, Pro 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Pro 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
We must always remember that the scriptures are given for correction 2Ti_3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
And keep in mind when someone comes to you giving correction remember the words of James. Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. No one is above reproach we all make mistakes and try as we might not to still commit sin. We therefore need to recognize that when a brother comes to us and shows us our error we should be glad that they care enough for us to do the hard things.
Folks we have to learn to accept correction as well as give it. I am thankful for all those who correct me and though it would be easy the get mad and make wild claims about those doing so it would be wrong in the eyes of the Lord.
Here are a few Proverbs to think on the next time you find yourself being corrected.
Pro_1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Pro_9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Pro_9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
Pro_14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
Pro_17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Will you be the wise man?
