How Dare They Correct Me!

What would you do if a Christian brother came to you and told you he was concerned about your behavior?

Obviously, it would depend on this brother’s approach and character, but let’s assume he’s a godly brother who approaches you in love.

How would you respond?

Sadly, many Christians would be offended. They’d either ignore this brother or tell him to “judge not.”

Modern Christianity tends to focus on worldly philosophies of self-esteem instead of biblical humility and correction.

Most Bible studies and sermons stress feel-good truths, overlooking Christ's demand for self-sacrifice and obedience (Luke 9:23).

Many professing Christians have bought into the idea of "boundaries" to distance themselves from anyone who confronts their selfishness or tests their patience (James 1:2-4). See Are Boundaries Biblical?

And don't even mention the biblical word "rebuke"!

But God’s design for fellowship includes accountability, instruction, correction and, yes, even rebuke.(1) 

May we give and receive loving Christian correction with humility, grace, and discernment.
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Note: This does not mean we do whatever someone tells us to do without first seeking the Lord and other godly counsel. But it means that we allow people to correct us and we receive it humbly and prayerfully. We avoid "self-defense" mode (see Self-Defense).

(1) See verses below which explain that offering correction to fellow believers is appropriate. To see Scriptures about receiving correction, see Accepting Correction - 10 Scriptures.

Matthew 18:15: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."

Luke 17:3: "So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them."

Galatians 6:1: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."

James 5:19-20: "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

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