That dirty “C” word.

 That dirty “C” word.

Yes everyone I feel led to talk about that “C” word that is so offensive to so many. CORRECTION!

Why do we dread not only receiving correction but giving correction when it is needed? If someone piloting a plane or a ship used applied our attitudes to receiving and giving correction there isn’t a plane or ship would ever make it to the intended destination. Being off just a fraction of a degree can mean missing the destination by miles.

Proverbs 3:12

For whom the LORD loves He corrects,

Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 12:1

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,

But he who hates correction is stupid.

Proverbs 13:18

Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,

But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

Proverbs 15:5

A fool despises his father’s instruction,

But he who receives correction is prudent.

Proverbs 15:10

Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,

And he who hates correction will die.

We see from these verses in scripture the importance and blessings for those who receive correction. To receive correction means that we accept it with a willing and open heart. With an attitude of applying the correction to our life so that the proper change can happens and we can make it to God’s intended destination for us.

Of course one of the problems I have had in the past is that the Lord’s correction often comes through people. My problem with that was my pride and some bad experiences from people who gave abuse and called it correction.

The root of pride is fear and the way to overcome pride and fear is to submit to God and humble ourselves.

Abuse isn’t always physical or intended. There have been good Godly people who tried to bring needed correction into my life but for one reason or another they only accomplished hurting and confusing me. These times the enemy used to make it harder for me to accept correction as well as to be used by God to bring correction.

Matthew 18:15

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

When giving correction Matt. 18 starting in verse 15 is an excellent resource. The heart of these verses is to bring correction out of the Love of the Father and for wholeness to be accomplished. I once had someone who was over me in the denomination I was in try to correct me concerning difficulties I was having in the church I was pastoring. I really did need to be corrected but what I left with was a feeling of being blasted. Not because he yelled at me, I don’t even remember if he raised his voice at all. The problem was that he only pointed out that I needed to make corrections but not HOW to make them. It was like telling someone who never used a hammer and nails in his life to go fix the fence they had damaged. While the person may or may not have known that they damaged the fence and needed to repair it just telling them to repair it with instructing them how is foolish. It definitely isn’t really correcting them.

Matthew 5:23-24

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

While it is very important to be willing to lovingly and correctly give correction when needed it is also very important to seek out and receive correction when needed.

After I got over my pride and healed from my hurts I learned how to receive correction and to actually seek it out. I have learned that correction is needed in my life and that one of the primary ways this comes is through others. I have found that if I approach those who the correction is coming from with the love of Jesus I am able to receive it with joy. Having learned that correction helps me get to the destination of God’s best also helps. That also helps me in situations like I described before. Now instead of walking away confused and hurt like I have been blasted I ask questions. I also have to explain sometimes that I don’t know how to fix the fence because I have never even used a hammer and nails or even where to get them. This then helps the other person understand that they need to give me more detailed instructions.

Real correction always helps and is always a blessing.