Impact of Correction

Wester’s dictionary defines correction as bringing into conformity with a standard. The standard we follow as believers is the Word of God and Holy Spirit is our teacher. As a preacher of the Word we are to rightly divide the word truth according to 2 Timothy 2:15. In doing so sometimes we must teach/preach about correction when the body of Christ or even the local church’s behavior is not in line with the Word of God. This is not done with an iron fist but speaking the truth in love as referenced in Ephesians 4:15. One way to do this is to provide a personal example of how you, with the help of the Holy Spirit, overcame something you were doing in error or perhaps sharing how your leader had to come to you with the correction. The goal is not to brow beat the congregation but also not to sugar coat a message either. There has to be a balance while making sure there is a clear distinction between the standard and what needs to be corrected.

As a hearer many times the Holy Spirit has already been speaking and perhaps, we’ve chosen to ignore or put aside what we may have be sensing in our spirits. Then when the preacher begins to preach about the very thing you may have been trying to overlook or ignore it gets your attention. It’s like the Holy Spirit has seemingly gotten right in your face to really expose an area where correction was needed. Sometimes the hearer may feel like the preacher was somehow privy to previous conversations or having knowledge about their situation, but we know it’s the Holy Spirit. In Hebrews 12:6 it talks about how the Lord disciplines the ones he loves so this correction reflects love from the Lord. We should welcome correction as hearers because as our Father, the Lord wants the best for us and desires to see us prosper in the Kingdom.

Vanessa, thank you for sharing. I agree that correction should have some balance with truth and honesty. I also like how you pointed out that when correction is given, God has more than likely already been dealing with us about that matter, but sometimes we act like hard-headed little children.

This is a powerful and Spirit-led reflection on the role of correction in the life of a believer and within the church community. I love the scripture you choose In Hebrews 12:6 it talks about how the Lord disciplines the ones he loves so this correction reflects love from the Lord. We should welcome correction as hearers because as our Father, the Lord wants the best for us and desires to see us prosper in the Kingdom. This such a gentle reminder that our father is Love even in correction.

Vanessa, thank you for saying that correction is not done with an iron fist but speaking the truth in love as referenced in Ephesians 4:15. Before Christ ascended into heaven, He asked Peter, Do you love me three times. I believe that He asked him that because He knew that if Peter truly loved him, He would love His sheep as well. When things are done in love, correction can be better received. The scripture says 1 Corinthians 16: 14 To do everything in love; that means preaching, teaching, correcting and rebuking. In addition, in order to do this, you must remember the Golden Rule , Treat others the way you want to be treated.