When do we rebuke?
By Kurt Bomar
Avery County
Of all the gifts we get from the Spirit, this one is probably the most confusing. First of all, if you think you have the gift of rebuking, you don’t! It is not something you should enjoy. It should hurt you as much as the person you have to correct. In fact, it’s not really a gift at all. It’s a duty that we must, on occasion, perform.
The next thing that’s confusing is trying to determine when we should reproach someone and when we should “mind our own business”. I want to share some thoughts with you regarding this dilemma.
There is Biblical support for both positions:
Jesus spent all of Luke 14 rebuking the Pharisees when they attacked him for healing on the Sabbath. Yet Jesus, in Matthew 17 tells Peter to pay the Temple tax even though he doesn’t owe it. What was his reasoning? “So that we don’t offend them: (the Pharisees).”
“So I’m confused,” you say. “Do I bear my neighbor’s infirmity, or do I correct him for edification?”
The answer is you do what the Lord tells you to do at any given moment. Sometimes He will tell you to bear with those who are weak. Other times, He’ll tell you to love them enough to give them a word of correction even if it means you might get yelled at.
God gives us broad principles in His Word and then says, “See Me for further instructions!” He wants us to ask him for wisdom for the situation. He enjoys interacting with you. He wants to be involved not just in the situation, but with you. “if any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men generously” James 4:8.
He will show you what to do, and it will be right, blending reproof with love.
Selah (think about it)
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Kurt Bomar is the pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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