The chastening of the Lord
The Bible tells us that one of the most loving things we can do for our children, is to correct them when they are heading in the wrong direction, how we do this will vary. The same is needed for each of us, as the children of God or not.
The Bible calls it correction, reproof, or rebuke and Paul the Apostle uses all three terms in the four verses of 2 Timothy 3:14-17: A rebuke is referred to as a gift to our souls and is a vast work of love. The rebuke from our heavenly father that we all get from time to time when we read the scriptures is intended to prevent us from continuing on the destructive path that we are on, as it is much the same for those of us who have young children on the wrong path, we hopfully correct them.
The direction of reproof
Reproof provides us with a choice; are we going to choose to listen and change our direction, or loose it? Will we get annoyed, or embrace a rebuke as a blessing?
Do you love the book of proverbs? Because it is a great guide for every facet of our lives. The subject of correction in Proverbs reminds me that if we embrace a rebuke especially from the Lord we are wise and walk the path of eternal life, while those who despise reproof will find themselves on the wrong path, and we all know where that leads...
The warnings in proverbs are many and varied here is a few.
- Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. or "The one who rejects reproof makes a very wrong choice"
- Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. or stupid or a fool.
- Wow, tell just that to some people and you're likely to be punched up.
- Proverbs 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
- Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
- Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. (speaking of the second death)
- Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
But just as astounding are the promises and blessing for those who embrace rebuke, here are a few.
- Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
- Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
- Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
- Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
- Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
- Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
- Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
- Proverbs 1:25–26 To the one who embraces rebuke, God says, “I will pour out my spirit to you” but to the one who despises it, “I will laugh at your calamity”
The wise recognize rebuke as a gift of gold (Proverbs 25:12). It is kindness, and a token of love. “Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it” (Psalm 141:5).
So often these days, it is easier for us not to say anything about what is wrong in someone's life, so as not to offend and anger them. If you choose to though, be ready for some heat, you will soon see if they love a rebuke or not and if they are interested in wisdom. That said my mum used to say; "it is not what you say it is the way you say it!" Sometimes we need wisdom to be able to gently guide. If we love one another should we let those in our fellowship, go merrily on their way down the path of trouble.
I hope by now we all know that reproof is an act of love, a desire to seize that uncomfortable moment, and perhaps even having your counsel thrown back in your face, when you take the risk to direct someone into the right direction. When a spouse, friend, family member or associate rises to the level of love, we each one should be profoundly thankful not angry or full of excuses. Thanking God for his grace to put people in our lives who love us enough to say something.
Always think of a rebuke as a life-saver, not as an annoyance or a need to retaliate. If we acknowledge that we are imperfect, self-centred, conceited and regularly sin with our words and actions, then we will learn to see a brother’s rebuke for the tremendous grace from God that it is.
Only through the Lord Jesus Christ can we find our true identity, being shown in love by God that we’re still sinners and have some faults (Romans 5:8). With such a Saviour to steady our feet, we can embrace a rebuke for the blessing that it is.
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