What do you consider to be the hardest thing you do in your walk with God? You probably can think of a long list of things you consider hard, but perhaps one of the harder things is to stop and listen when someone is trying to correct you or your behavior.

We don’t like being corrected and neither does our society. For some reason, we deem correction a good thing until it applies to our own lives; then we wonder why someone else is sticking his nose in our business.

Paul, in writing to the Thessalonian church, wrote, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother“(2 Thess. 3:14-15). Did you catch what Paul said? We are not to associate with those living in sin, but we must admonish them. Why would Paul instruct such action on our part?

To the churches of Galatia, Paul said, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). We should rebuke those living in sin for the purpose of restoring them. An individual cannot be restored to a right relationship with God without first coming to the realization he is living in sin.

Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, informed Christians both then and now that God expects us to correct those who live sinful lives. This is our obligation and duty before man and God. We cannot just stand around and watch someone destroy his life with sin.

The problem we face is people do not like to be corrected. If we correct people for certain sins today, the society around us is outraged and we take unwanted heat because of our stance against sin. Sometimes this causes Christians to think twice before approaching those living in sin.

Still though, you and I must attempt to correct sinful behavior, no matter what others might say or think. Our concern and attempted correction is for the benefit of the one we are trying to correct, and hopefully we are doing it out of love and concern for their soul’s eternal destiny. I have heard it said, “Friends don’t let friends go to hell.” I hope this is true of you and me. If those around us are overtaken by sin we must admonish them and try to restore them to a right relationship with God.

May God grant us the boldness and wisdom to reach out and help correct those who are not living according to the will of God.

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid” (Prov. 12:1).

Now that’s Something to Think About!