Are you open to reproof and correction?
Romans is primarily about grace and faith.
1st Corinthians is primarily a reproof for a carnal church.
Galatians is a doctrinal correction.
Ephesians- is advanced understanding of grace and faith in our dispensation.
Philippians is reproof in behavior to live joyfully even amidst suffering.
Colossians is more doctrinal correction.
Etc.
I ask myself sometimes if I'm open to receive reproof and correction. Over the last year that's certainly been the case.
I am still learning and maturing spiritually through the word so I'm sure there will still be plenty of reproof and correction for me in the future!
How about you? Are you open to reproof and correction?
If we are not open to reproof and correction from God's word we won't grow. We will not be like a tree planted by living waters bearing much fruit.
It's not always so easy to admit sometimes when we are wrong. God's word however can work effectually in and through us to shape and mold us into the image of Christ. It won't make you popular! You might even ruffle a few feathers! But as believers we are called to submit to God and His word and live unto him. This happens by us regularly reading, studying, meditating upon and believing God's word rightly divided and obeying it.
1Th 2:13 KJV - 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
So, although reproof and correction can be challenging they are absolutely necessary for our spiritual growth.
Proverbs 3:11-12 (KJV) states, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
This verse highlights that God’s correction is a sign of His love and care for us. Just as a loving parent disciplines their child for their betterment, God corrects us to guide us on the right path. Today He does this through His word. Even if a fellow believer wants to help correct any errors in our doctrinal beliefs or tells us we need to change a certain behavior, it should always be based upon an understanding of God's word rightly divided.
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Spiritual Growth Through Correction
When we embrace correction, we open ourselves to spiritual growth.
Hebrews 12:11 (KJV) reminds us, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Though the process may be uncomfortable, it ultimately produces righteousness (we are already righteous in Christ as believers, but it produces righteous living; which is us yeilding ourselves over to live unto God. I call this "Grace Living".) and peace in our lives. This growth is akin to a tree that, after being pruned, bears more fruit.
Galatians 5:25 KJV "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
A Tree Planted by Living Waters
The imagery of a tree planted by living waters ("living" waters specifically is Christ and His word; see John 7:38 and Rev 7:17) beautifully symbolizes the life of a Christian who accepts and grows from reproof and correction.
Psalm 1:3 (KJV) describes such a person: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Just as a tree by the water is constantly nourished and flourishes, a believer who heeds God’s correction is continually refreshed and strengthened in their faith. The prospering is a spiritual prospering, but it can positive effects on our daily lives too as we live out the doctrine.
The fruit we can bear is:
Galatians 5:22-22
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Embracing Correction with Humility
Humility is crucial when receiving reproof.
Proverbs 15:31-32 (KJV) says, “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”
By humbly accepting correction, we gain wisdom and understanding, allowing us to grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Col 1:9 KJV - 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Pro 19:8 KJV - 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Reproof and correction, though sometimes difficult to accept, are divine tools for our spiritual growth. They help us become more like Christ, bearing the fruits of righteousness (Grace Living) and living a life that prospers in God’s sight. As we embrace these moments with humility and trust in God’s love, we become like trees planted by living waters, flourishing and bearing fruit in every season.
May we always remember that God’s correction is a testament to His love and desire for us to grow in Him. Let us be open to His guidance through His word rightly divided, allowing His living waters to nourish our souls and lead us to spiritual maturity.
In His Grace,
Mrs. Adrienne Jason
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