Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5, TLV

A Rebuke is Better than Hidden Love? Really?     Here’s one of those proverbs that makes me squirm. I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time equating rebukes with love. Gentle correction? Perhaps. Steady guidance? Definitely. But the forceful disruption that comes from a rebuke is more like a slap in the face than a warm and fuzzy—to me anyway.

Still . . . What if the rebuke was necessary? What if the strong interruption in our behavior was a tool our Heavenly Father used to test us, or just let us know we need to make a change? What if even a wrong rebuke was a lesson in forgiveness or humility?

Teach. Lesson. Tool. Test. Change. Forgiveness. Humility.

Hmm. Aren’t these words our loving Father uses? He uses them as tools of discipline because He’s our Dad and He loves us. Even though it might hurt.

“… proclaim the Word! Be ready when it is convenient or inconvenient. Confront, rebuke, encourage—with complete patience and instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2, TLV

What if He didn’t care enough to send a rebuke? What if He decided to stand by and let our behavior run its sad, sinful course? As uncomfortable as a rebuke is, that would be far worse.

Think More About It

How do rebukes feel to you when it comes to your faith journey?

Until tomorrow, may we receive rebukes as an instrument of GOD’s love, my friends.

He who planted the ear, does He not hear?
He who formed the eye, does He not see?
He who chastens nations, will He not rebuke—
One who teaches humanity knowledge?
ADONAI [the LORD] knows human thoughts—
they are but a breath. Psalm 94.:9-11, TLV

You know, sometimes we just need reminding of who our Heavenly Father is. When everything around us looks impossible, remembering that He is our Creator stops the spiraling of fear and doubt. So, today, let’s pray these verses as an addition to “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Let it soak in and when we see the horrible headlines and images, we remember. God bless you!