In my last post, we talked about everyone’s favorite topic: receiving reproof. I mean, who doesn’t love a hard conversation where someone sees something in our actions, words or character that needs to be corrected?
Seriously…listening to someone’s reproof is one of the hardest things for me.
Harder still is giving it.
Random picture of Darcy using peanut butter to remove gum from her eyelash…don’t ask.
Unfortunately for us (and our weak flesh), we are commanded to give correction as well as receive it. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. “(Proverbs 9:7-9 ESV).
For some of us, this is a horrifying thought because we like to keep the peace and avoid conflict at all costs. For others, this comes naturally. Whatever camp we reside in, we have the following steps in Scripture when something needs confronting:
- Always check yourself first.
“Judge not, that you be not judged… You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matt. 7:1,3-5
We have to see here a distinction between discerning judgment and hypocritical judgment. Jesus is condemning those who hypocritically judge while excusing their own sins. The point here is that we must do corrective surgery on our logs first. Only then will we be able to see straight to be of any help.
- Humble yourself.
“Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galations 6:1
In order for us to obey the last point, we will need to humble ourselves before the Lord. We must put off anger, if there is any, and see ourselves in equal need of God’s grace.
- Ask yourself questions.
Is this a believer or an unbeliever? Unbelievers need the gospel more than they need rebuke. Are my concerns biblical or just a matter of opinion? Am I saying this out of love and care for the person? Am I saying this to get revenge for a previous hurt? Is this meant to build up or tear down? Have I convinced this person of my love and commitment for them before saying this? Have I earned their ear? Is it necessary? Will not confronting them about this compromise the gospel in any way?
- Pray for God’s timing.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Prov. 25:11. Ask God for direction about the when and the where of this sensitive topic. The Holy Spirit of God will guide us as we attempt to obey him in this way.
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In closing, do we cultivate a culture of correction in our lives? Are we humble enough to ask for honest assessments? Do we give careful consideration how to respond to correction and give it? “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (Prov. 15:31).
The following quote from David Mathis sums it all up well:
“Even when it’s a rebuke poorly delivered, and the timing and tone are off, and the motivation seems suspect, we’ll want to ransack it for every grain of truth, and then repent, and thank God for the grace of having people in our lives who love us enough to say something.”
