Love and Rebukes

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The purpose of rebuking someone has been completely distorted in these days of emphasizing political correctness and personal self-esteem. The world now associates a scriptural rebuke with hatred, anger, and envy. In reality, a godly rebuke demonstrates a supreme act of love. The spiritual mindset helps all of this to make sense; whereas, the carnally minded will reject God’s perfect ways. When it is known that an individual is heading in a dangerous direction, hate remains silent; love cries “stop.” Many people under the guise of “secret love” have allowed friends and family to head off into the ways of the world thinking they were doing those people right. Yet, the Bible plainly says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love” (Proverbs 27:5). Once again, the carnal mind struggles to receive this truth, but godly rebukes are based upon love and result from an expression of that love.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Dad and mom warn us when we are not doing what God wants us to do. They hope we will pay attention and do right. If we do not listen and they have to take a harsher action, does this mean that they don’t love us (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 29:15)?

(For everyone): Do you love others enough to offer them a godly rebuke when they are headed in a direction that will harm them spiritually? What would keep you from helping them?

(For everyone): Why does our mind naturally think the opposite of scripture to be true? What can we do in order to be more spiritually minded? How can this benefit us in our service to the Lord?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Thank God for His loving rebukes in your life.

 Ask God to give you that pure love for others.

SONG

Afflictions Do Not Come Alone

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