Forgiving & RebukingÀpẹrẹ

God lovingly convicts, corrects, and repeatedly forgives us because that is His very nature (see 1 John 4:7). But, as previously explained, He also“…disciplines those He loves…” (Hebrews 12:6). Since He created every living person, He also loves each one of us. Therefore, His discipline is an indispensable element of His grace. No true disciple will ever be exempt from His refining purpose!

If our fellow believers choose to bring shame on the Lord’s name, then they clearly need to be spiritually corrected. For that reason, Paul was once led to even strongly rebuke Peter (see Galatians 2:11-21).

Understanding this: if in our cowardice we fail to obey by spiritually correcting a fellow believer, then are we not making ourselves unusable?

Ironically, our failure to reprimand is just as immature as failing to“…turn the other cheek…” (Matthew 5:39). The Lord made this very clear in Luke 17:3 when He specifically instructed His disciples to rebuke as well as forgive!

It requires humility and mature spiritual obedience to responsibly and lovingly rebuke a Christian brother or sister for their sin.

Equally as important, it requires patience, love, and strength for us to willingly forgive! These two important Biblical disciplines will always be required for an effective ministry as a faithful disciple-maker.