A Strong Word

January 29, 2019

DAILY READING

2 Corinthians 7:2-12
This weekend’s reading: Revelation 2:18-29

FIELD NOTES
Have you ever had to correct someone? Have you ever had to deliver a rebuke? It’s hard, to say the least. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, had to deliver a hard rebuke. And he knew it hurt the church. But he had to tell them the truth so that they might repent.
 
And they did repent. 
 
When we have to give harsh news, or correct someone, what holds us back from doing what needs to be done? I know I hate to hurt people’s feelings. 
 
Speaking simply, when my son, who is two, does something wrong, we have to correct him. He often gives us a look that says, “But Dad, you love me. Why are you hurting my feelings?” And it is so hard to continue to correct him at that moment, but I know that it is necessary for his own development.
 
Rebuke hurts, but it hopefully leads to repentance. May we correct in love. 

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• When have you been rebuked? How did you feel?
• When have you had to correct someone? What was it like?

PRAYER

Lord, may we correct others in your love and grace, just as we hope to be corrected in love and grace. Amen.