The Purpose of Rebuking Others

Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Believers are to rebuke others in one form or another, but what primary purpose should the rebuking serve? Some rebuke with a prideful heart leaving the person rebuked with feelings of inferiority. Some rebuke because they themselves are guilty of the same glaring fault within their own lives. However, what purpose should rebuking others serve? According to Titus 1:13, believers are told to rebuke others “that they may be sound in the faith.” Scripturally rebuking someone never serves as a self-gratifying act. Rather, it focuses upon helping others grow, improve, and spiritually mature in the Lord. It should never be the desire of a believer to see another person destroyed through a rebuke but always edified. Galatians 6:1 reiterates this same truth.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Samuel rebuked the children of Israel for asking for a king. Then he encouraged them to keep following God and said he would pray for them and teach them the good and right way (1 Samuel 12:16-25). He truly loved and wanted to help God’s people.

(For everyone): Do you rebuke others in order to feel superior? Do you rebuke others to cover up for an area of weakness within your own life?

(For everyone): How can you harm others when you rebuke them out of the wrong spirit? How could this truly grieve the Lord? Have you ever harmed anyone with unscriptural rebukes?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God to help you rebuke others with the right purpose.

Ask the Lord to help you care for others.

SONG

A Charge to Keep I Have

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