A Mixed Reaction to Rebukes

Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

When someone receives rebuke from another person, it is rarely easy to accept. The person receiving the rebuke may lash out in anger even when the rebuke is scripturally made with longsuffering. The Bible confirms this type of reaction when it says, “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly” (Amos 5:10). This type of reaction is not one of a wise man, nor is it from one who has taken the time to consider the godly rebuke’s content and intention. The Bible also says that afterwards the one who rebukes finds “more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.” Ultimately, the Lord’s reaction is what matters and the scriptural practice of rebuking others within the authority of scripture pleases Him.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): When Amaziah was rebuked, he got angry and told the prophet to leave him alone or be killed (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). When David was rebuked, he was sorry for his sin (2 Samuel 12:9, 13; Psalm 51:3-4a). When we are rebuked, we should respond more like David.

(For everyone): How should we expect others to react when we must rebuke them from the scriptures? How can it help us to think upon their reaction before the rebuke is offered?

(For everyone): How should we react when others become distraught because they have received a rebuke? How can a godly reaction on our end help them to be restored?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to prepare you for various responses to rebukes.

Thank God for His longsuffering when you respond poorly.

SONG

Conflicting Feelings

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