There is a Time for Public Rebuke (TMF:1029)

Thursday, November 29, 2018
Peace to Live By: There is a Time for Public Rebuke (TMF:1029) - Daniel Litton
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       Paul said to the Corinthians, “What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corinthians 4:21, ESV). You see, there is a time and a place for everything. There is a time for harder teachings, and even a time for public rebuke or correction. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees by declaring his ‘woes’ against them. And he rebuked churches in Revelation. Stephen bore strong witness against the Israelites, against unbelievers, in Acts 7. There is a time for this kind of language, especially in public speech like for Christian leaders and teachers. We are to be like Christ, and if Jesus did it, there are going to be times we have to do it. But we should be as gentle as possible, but at the same time not water down the truth for the sake of gentleness. Indeed, gentleness is important, but so is speaking and keeping the truth of God’s Word. God’s leaders are to be “kind to everyone… patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24, 25, ESV). We should not, by this verse, block out other teachings and examples from Scripture.