Correcting the Erring
Before we scribe our thoughts, take time to read and study the following passages:
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
There are other passages we could use, but these will address our subject. All of us sin and need correction from time to time. (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1: 5 – 11) As children of God, we should expect chastisement because He loves us (Hebrews 6: 1 – 12). Yet, some Christians receive correction as if it is a “harsh discipline they don’t deserve.” Instead of being grateful for the correction, they express disgust when someone dares to challenge their conduct or convictions. Which of us is without need for correction? Are we too arrogant to appreciate the love of a Christian who truly cares about our faithfulness?
Perhaps the problem is more in HOW we correct others, than in what we show them as their error. Note Galatians 6:1 and the phrase, “in the spirit of meekness.” Meekness is “courage with humility.” Webster defines it, “Appropriately, humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations.” This is the mannerism of the one doing the correcting, not the one being corrected. When we correct another soul, it is not with the attitude of “I’m better than you,” but rather, “I’d like to talk to you about something.” Often, the approach to correcting an error is as important as the correction itself
The passages of 1 John 5:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:14 concur with this approach: ask to speak with them, warn the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, and be patient. The approach allows one in error to know you care for their soul! It should never be an “I’m right, you’re wrong, and I’m going to prove it” approach, but one of genuine love for the erring soul!
However, there is a time when our rebuke must be marked by meekness. Let’s examine three separate passages, each containing the word “rebuke,” and consider its meaning. First, 1 Timothy 5:1 -- Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren. Here, the word means “chastise, upbraid.” Yet a few verses later, we read, “ Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:20) Here, the word has a stronger meaning and means, “ to confute, admonish: - convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.” We must be more stern in rebuking a leader (elder) who sins before all those who follow him, not only for the sake of his soul, but for the sake of all souls who would follow his pattern of error. Paul is very explicit with these instructions to Titus (1:10-16). For all of us, the admonition of Paul to Timothy is applicable: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2) Here, the word rebuke means, “to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid: - (straitly) charge, rebuke”. Again, the approach is as important as the correction itself.
Last, we need to look into mirrors when correcting others! Remember Galatians 6:1 says, “considering thyself.” No one is so well seasoned and perfected that he is without need for improvement and, yes, correction. Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Be grateful for those who help us by correcting us. Be grateful for those who get a little “t0ugher” with us when rebuke is required. And be grateful for those who are insistent on exactness regarding truth and righteousness! They are trying to help us go to heaven, just as we are endeavoring to help them receive heaven as well!
