Rebuke

7-27-2009

It can be easy to rebuke those that do wrong, and sometimes there’s good reason for leading someone out of sin. Next time you want to rebuke someone remember the following passage from Matthew 7:3-5.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

As I read this passage a few things come to mind. First, let’s make sure we have our act together before we begin to rebuke others for what they do. Secondly, when you do need to rebuke someone for wrong action, use the examples from your own mistakes that led you to want to rebuke them. In other words, if you are attempting to help someone that continues to drink too much, use a real life example of someone that has done the same thing. Moreover, try to use an example of when you did something wrong, and why you corrected the mistake. Anytime you rebuke someone, it makes sense to humble yourself in front of that person so they don’t feel you are speaking down to them. The “I know how you feel because I’ve been there before” lingo works a lot better than talking AT someone. Last, always remember the nature of sin. We are all born into the world with a sinful nature, and all of us are susceptible to sin. Do not judge people for wrong doing, but help them overcome their sin. Love people, don’t judge people.

Application:
1. Read Matthew 7:3-5
2. Do you have your act together? Is threesome who needs to get their act together? Do you know how to communicate with love and not with criticism?