Correction by Minister Owen Mitchell

I read this quote which says, “the Bible teaches that while correction seems painful rather than pleasant in the moment, it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Biblical correction is not merely punishment but it builds believers character and enables growth.

Let’s face it, no one really likes correction. Our initial reaction and feeling when being corrected is not good. Especially if we’re being corrected for some personal things. Firstly, we put up a defense and sometimes we outrightly reject the corrections. We get the feeling people are just criticizing us and finding fault with what we have done; not so with God. “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge but he that hateth reprove is brutish”, Proverbs 12:1.

The Bible uses words like reproof or rebuke, discipline, chastening, setting straight and rod interchangeably, which carries the same meaning as correction. Some verses like Proverbs 3:11, uses two of these words as emphasis to drive home a point. “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction.” Other related terms are, admonition, pruning, instruction and reformation.

Saints, can we accept the fact that we are all imperfect beings and sin is the culprit? Can we accept that God is preparing us for that which is to come? Hebrews 12:9 says, “furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? Verse 6, “for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, ….” Correction is the ultimate proof of God’s Love.

God Bless.