Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Colossians 3:16-17.
Have you ever had a dear friend correct you or question your conversation or decision? Even a gentle rebuke can be hard to hear, even when it is given in the spirit of love. No one likes to have their faults pointed out or their actions challenged. We don’t want to believe that our words could hurt someone else rather than help them.
Paul instructs us that as a part of Christ’s community that we should teach and admonish when necessary. We should not be shy about sharing God’s love and advice with one another. We need to care enough to confront bad behavior and be willing to receive correction ourselves.
When we correct, we need to be certain that love drives us to speak the truth. A mentor once told me that confrontation in relationships is healing, but confrontation outside of a relationship is condemnation. Speaking the truth can be difficult. Admonishment should happen in love, relationship, and prayer.
When we are corrected, we need a teachable spirit that marks a disciple of Christ. We should let the Word of God dwell in us and deeply study God’s desire for us. Are you ready to be taught or corrected?
Personal Worship Option:
Lord, teach us how to correct one another in a loving way. Make us a community in which we love enough to hold one another accountable. Give us open hearts to hear correction that will draw us closer to you. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment