The Bible commands that we rebuke, encourage and exhort others. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin {Hebrews 3:13}. Exhort means to "urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently." Why are we told do this when rebuking and exhorting others is so difficult? When we do this with most people, they become offended and angry.
Do you appreciate being rebuked? Do you like it when someone instructs you? Are you teachable? Read these verses carefully. "Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee." Do you love the person who rebukes you? "Give instruction to wise man and he will be yet wiser." Do you take instruction easily so you will become wiser? "Teach a just man and he will increase in learning." Is it your goal to become a wise person and learn more? If so, take these verses from Proverbs 9 to heart and obey them! Thank those who rebuke, instruct and teach you!
Ken and I have been
married almost 35 years. We have grown and matured in our faith. Neither of us
want any sin in our lives that so easily entangles us and hardens us through
its deceitfulness. Whenever we see the other one sin, whether he is complaining
or I am being disrespectful, we call each other out on it. As soon as we do, we
admit it and say we're sorry. We want to walk in the Spirit, please the Lord in
all that we do, and not walk in the flesh. Therefore,
we have learned that true love, especially love of the Lord, does not get easily
offended. We need each other to call out the sin in our lives since many times
we don't see the sin clearly in our own lives but it is fairly easy to see in
others, especially our spouse.
If you are the "sensitive" type who gets your feelings hurt when exhorted or corrected, it is the same as getting offended easily and falling into the trap of self-pity which Oswald Chambers said is Satanic. These are qualities that should NOT define a Christian. Instead of being "sensitive" and offended easily, repent and turn from your sinful ways. Be a wise woman and learn to take rebuke or correction so you may grow wise and walk consistently in the Spirit.
No, it isn't easy but as wise women of God, we should change our mindset about it and decide to learn from those who rebuke us. We are the body of Christ and we are to be holy and blameless so we can show forth the praises of our mighty God. We aren't supposed to compromise on any kind of sin but hating even the garment spotted by the flesh! {Jude 1:23} Any type of sexual sin is especially grievous to our souls.
"The sin of fornication is a great injury in a Christian to his Head and Lord, and a great reproach and blot on his profession. It is no wonder therefore that the apostle should say, 'Flee fornication {verse 18}, avoid it, and keep out of the reach of temptations to it, of provoking objects. Direct the eyes and mind to other things and thoughts.' —Other vices may be conquered in fight, this only by flight; so speak many of the fathers." {Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Corinthians 6}. Again, flee fornication; don't watch it; glance away quickly if you see it; flee!
Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good. Fight the good fight of faith. Take rebuke and exhortation as a good soldier in the Lord's army. Learn what pleases the Lord in all things. Do good in the land and be a sweet aroma of the Lord and His ways for all to see. This is a battle, women, for the souls of others so we must not hurt the testimony of our precious Savior with any sin in our lives or even the appearance of sin.
