" CORRECTION "

Are you well this day?

I have a question for you today, have you ever had to be corrected? I'm confident that you know what it isto be corrected. The dictionary defines the word correct / correction in this manner: to make right; conforming to a conventional standard; agreeing withfact or truth.

Nothing but truth is acceptable to God. When we pray, sing, speak, or serve, nothing closes the door of God's acceptance more than hypocrisy, lying, or pretense. If we're honest, it's easy to point out someone else's faults or sins, am I correct? Now how often have you accused a friend or even a family member of sin to make them feel guilty and not encouraging them nor correcting them. I'm practicing the Art of seeking the face of God before I decide on anything. If we feel that we must admonish another, we should be sure we are confronting that person because we love them, not because we are annoyed, inconvenienced, or seeking to blame them.

In our Christian life we must from time to time confront those we care about. Both authority and personal concern are needed in dealing with people who are ruining their lives with sin. Listen, when it comes to correction their are several wrong approaches in confronting others, and these can further break relationships rather than heal them. Reprimanding our friends and family, we should care enough about them to confront them with their wrongdoing(s) and sometimes those who we love make choices that we know are wrong. OK, if we ignore their behavior and they continue in it, we won't be showing love to them. We show love by honestly sharing our concerns in order to help these friends do and be their very best for God.

We're advised to be kind and gentle, patiently and courteously explaining the truth. Good teaching never promotes quarrels to foolish arguments. Remember to listen to people's questions and treat them respectfully, while avoiding foolish debates. If you do this, those who oppose you will be more willing to hear what you have to say and perhaps turn from their error.

LAST POINT: When we don't make any move to help, we show that we are more concerned about being well liked than about what will happen to them. Sometimes sincere Christians, and even Christian leaders, make mistakes. If you are convinced that someone is doing harm to himself/herself or the Church, try the direct approach. There is no place for backstabbing in the Body Of Christ.

Until Next Time...

Jim