“Open rebuke is better Than secret love.” (Proverbs 27:5 KJV)
Here’s a pop up alert that collides directly with the world’s doctrine of political correctness. This passage tacitly says that rebuke is an expression of love! But the world says, you can’t do that even to your children who are entrusted by God to your care. What is said and how it is said are very important for the best interest of the corrected. It aims for a life well-lived. However, sometimes, no matter how lovingly a life-changing truth is served (Ephesians 4:15), some still scoff at it, revealing the mark of a fool (Proverbs 1:22). But, even if some will not listen to an honest and loving reproof, it is not a reason to refrain from giving a loving act of correction. The world’s interest is not what matters. It is God’s intent on our relationship with Him and others that matters. He loves us all! And, being His children of grace by faith Christ Jesus, we are to love one another (John 13:34)!
Open rebuke means straightforward corrective criticism expressed without dressing up right on the face of someone you care. The more open and honest, the more heartfelt and painful the act could be to both the corrected and the corrector. But, painful it might be to an injured ego, it is better than hidden love. Love unrevealed is of no benefit to the object there of, and robs the joy of expression from the one who loves. The absence of honest rebuke is the hidden 'love' in question. True love expresses and not sulks. It rebukes when called for, to save a life of someone so dear.
As a truly reborn child of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, correction is a hallmark of love, in all levels of caring relationships, especially in the bond of parents and children. The scriptures declare this truth of our Heavenly Father's love which is the foundation of earthly filiation. It is written: “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “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 NIV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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