Proper Rebuke -- Goal of Reconciliation

 

Quick thought about rebuke versus facilitation of remedy.  Rebuke is such a harsh word, but I want to include in the concept any time you lovingly try to correct someone.  For sake of discussion, consider the two polarities of a response: Either the person will receive it, possibly apologize, and generally reflect how he or she may improve;  or in the opposite, the person will reject, take offense, and possibly become angry or belligerent.  

RECEIVE - HUMBLE, REPENTANT, TEACHABLE HEART 

VS

REJECT -  PROUD, ANGRY, HARD HEART

The one giving the rebuke however ought to consider their job is not merely to point out the error, but to facilitate a resolve.  Now it may not be wrong to suggest or outright bluntly rebuke a person, but if done so with extremity of words, it may tip the person from one side to the other depending on where or whether they are walking with Christ.   

In all cases, before a correction is made, the corrector should pray and seek Holy Spirit insight as to what might be the way out of the ill behavior for the individual.  It may be a matter of depression, or spiritual oppression.  There may be a need for submission or forgiveness.  The purpose is to reconcile the person to right standing, to bring them back into fellowship with the Body of Christ, with other brothers and sisters in Christ.  Truly it is a ministry of reconciliation.

KEY POINT

The ministry of reconciliation may include correcting a wayward Believer, but it does not end there.  With the correction, the minister should also be sensitive to and provide practical application of scriptural principles that will aid the repentant heart in walking into freedom in that area of their life.

 

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