CORRECTION

(Advice, Counsel, Teaching)

When is correction a helpful gift?

BIBLE READING: Gal 2:11-21

KEY BIBLE VERSE: But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong. (Gal 2:11)

Correction is helpful when someone is compromising. Although Peter was a leader of the church, he was acting like a hypocrite. He knew better, yet he was driven by fear of what James and the others would think. Prov 29:25 says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap.” Paul knew that he had to confront Peter before his actions damaged the church. So Paul publicly opposed Peter. Note, however, that Paul did not go to the other leaders, nor did he write letters to the churches telling them not to follow Peter’s example. Instead, he opposed Peter face to face. Sometimes sincere Christians, even Christian leaders, make mistakes. And it may take other sincere Christians to get them back on track. If you are convinced that someone is doing harm to himself or the church, try the direct approach. There is no place for backstabbing in the body of Christ.

BIBLE READING: 1 Cor 4:14-21

KEY BIBLE VERSE: I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. (1 Cor 4:14)

Correction is helpful when motivated by love. In Paul’s day, a guardian was a slave who was assigned as a special tutor and caretaker of a child. Paul was portraying his special affection for the Corinthians (greater than a slave) and his special role (more than a tutor). In an attempt to unify the church, Paul appealed to his relationship with them. By father he meant he was the church’s founder. Because he started the church, he could be trusted to have its best interests at heart. Paul’s tough words were motivated by love — like the love a good father has for his children (see also 1 Thess 2:11).

BIBLE READING: 1 Cor 1:4-9

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:7)

Correction is helpful when accompanied by affirmation. In this letter, Paul wrote some strong words to the Corinthians, but he began on a positive note. He affirmed their membership in God’s family, the power God gave them to speak out for him and understand his truth, and the reality of their spiritual gifts. When we must correct others, it helps to begin by affirming what God has already accomplished in them.

BIBLE READING: Heb 12:1-13

KEY BIBLE VERSE: As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined? (Heb 12:7)

Correction is helpful for those who want to grow spiritually. Who loves his child more — the father who allows the child to do what will harm him, or the one who corrects, trains, and even punishes the child to help him learn what is right? It’s never pleasant to be corrected and disciplined by God, but his discipline is a sign of his deep love for us. When God corrects you, see it as proof of his love and ask him what he is trying to teach you.

We may respond to discipline in several ways:

(1) we can accept it with resignation;

(2) we can accept it with self-pity, thinking we really don’t deserve it;

(3) we can be angry and resent God for it; or

(4) we can accept it gratefully as the appropriate response toward a loving Father.