Reading Scripture gives us encouragement, comfort, and inspiration, but it does even more than that:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We can't begin to understand God's wonderful love until we renew our minds in His Word (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 3:14-21), and that involves rebuke and correction as well as instruction and comfort (Ephesians 4:17-24).
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." ~ Jesus, Revelation 3:19
God's rebuke and correction protects us from cultural lies and equips us for His purposes. It's an important part of His wonderful fatherly love for us:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." Hebrews 12:5-6
It's not especially fun to be rebuked or corrected, but it's essential for our growth in the Lord. So let's never resist it!
See Compete for the Faith for more encouragement.
BLN
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