Topic: Let the righteous reprove you
Bible Reading: Psalm 139-141; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
Memory Verse: “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…..: ” Psalm 141:5 (KJV)
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” ( Proverbs 15:10 KJV). The essence of correction is to express disapproval or criticism typically in a formal or corrective way to address someone’s actions or words. It’s aimed at prompting change or improvement in behavior. It is a valuable tool for personal growth and maintaining relationships particularly, if it is done within a loving context.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-14 after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and subsequently ordered the murder of her husband in order to cover his track, God saw this and sent Prophet Nathan to him. He delivered the message to David wisely and David accepted his guilt and asked for mercy. In 2 Samuel 12:13 (KJV), “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” He repented and paid for the consequence of his offence.
As noble and righteous as reproof is, its effectiveness depends on the willingness of the recipient to accept and make the required corrections. A number of Christians often take offence when they are reproved instead of being grateful. Whether you are corrected concerning spiritual or secular matters, it’s important that you recognise that God loves you for bringing such corrections your way. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:6-8 (KJV), “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. [7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”
Sometimes the corrections needed may be painful as was the case with David but the essence is also to deter you from repeating the same offence. It is important therefore that when you are corrected, try and analyse the situation on what led to the error or offence in the circumstance, how do you prevent a recurrence, what lessons can you learn from that error or offence and what do you do to prevent a recurrence. On the other hand, if you are in the position to correct others, try and put yourself in the position of the offender and correct that person the way you will like to be corrected that will not offend you. In essence ensure you correct the person in love. This approach will make the correction less painful and help people to look forward to correction as a means of learning. Then they can say like the Psalmist in Psalm 141:5 (KJV), “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head:……”
Action Point:
Always take corrections in good faith.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero