A Loving Rebuke
Opening Prayer
God, help me to walk in the wisdom and humility that not just receives, but welcomes the rebuke of the faithful.
Read PSALM 141:1-10
[1]A psalm of David. I call to you, LORD, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. [2] May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. [3] Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. [4] Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies. [5] Let a righteous man strike me-that is a kindness; let him rebuke me-that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers. [6] Their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken. [7] They will say, “As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave.” [8] But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge-do not give me over to death. [9] Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. [10] Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How do you take correction?It is hard to live in a fallen world and stay true to God’s commands. When we work, study or live among non-believers there are daily temptations to join in with the ways they speak, act and think in order to be accepted as part of the group. The psalmist asks God to guard his mouth, his heart and his actions so that he can avoid the temptations of dodgy dealing or bad practice (3,4).Rather than just relying on God’s prompting, he also welcomes being taken to task by believing friends (5). This is a sign of deep friendship. When we build a good relationship with other Christians we make a place where we can graciously accept censure. It will probably hurt but sin is always serious. We should welcome those who want us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and enjoy the refuge of God’s shelter (8). We should also pray for wisdom and courage for leaders, teachers, police and others as they challenge wrongdoing.
Apply
Ask God to prepare you to listen carefully and to respond seriously and graciously to any rebukes you hear.
Closing prayer
Father, You discipline Your children for our best. Help me to always keep my heart open to You.
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