The Gift of Rebuke
Theme of the Week: Sticking Together
Gordon MacDonald
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: If another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path (Galatians 6: 1). Bonus Reading:Psalm 141:5 ; Proverbs 25:12 ; 27:5–6
Not long ago a young businessman included me on an e-mail distribution list when he sent a humorous "top 20" list to his friends. As I read through it, I could see why some would think it amusing. But significant portions of the humor had to do with sexual matters, excessive drinking, and general disrespect for women.
For a couple of days I wondered what to do with the e-mail. The sender was a man who's long expressed a desire to be a mature Christ-follower, a leader among biblical people. The easiest thing—which is what I've done in several similar situations—would be to ignore the e-mail, and not respond.
This time I couldn't do that. I feared that my silence would signal approval. What's more, I cared for this man and believed in his future as a spiritual leader. Finally, I wrote, "I need to tell you that I don't think a man who wants to be in alignment with God's Spirit would send out a thing like that to his friends."
How would he respond?
His return e-mail came within a day. It read in part: "I'm sorry … rebuke joyfully accepted." A most suitable response.
—Gordon MacDonald in Mid-Course Correction
My Response: I'll ask God to use an occasional rebuke to correct and reshape my Christian character.
Thought to Apply: He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.
—Abraham Lincoln (16th U.S. President)
Adapted from Mid-Course Correction (Nelson, 2000) by permission.
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Lord, help me to be there for other men, and to honestly admit I need them to be there for me.
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