Counter Culture: Warn One Another — Tuesday
Hebrews 3:13
You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. (NLT)
“Hannah, that was wrong.” My best friend had tears streaming down her face as she and I launched into one of the hardest conversations we’d ever had up to that point in our friendship. As she began to warn me about the weight of my actions, indignation and frustration bubbled up in my heart. I didn’t understand how to receive the truth she was speaking into my life. But deep down, I knew she was right. While the conversation was hard, it is one that I’m so grateful for because it allowed me to see how important godly correction is. Years later, our friendship is one of the most important relationships in my life because I know I can trust her to tell me what I need to hear instead of just what I want to hear.
I’d venture to say that most of us don’t like correction, no matter how gently it’s given. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it also convicts and challenges us in a way that forces us to abandon our pride when we are faced with the reality of our sinfulness and brokenness. We are redeemed by a perfect God, but we are not perfect people. Time and time again, we make conscious and unconscious mistakes that hurt others and ourselves; however, when we are surrounded by a community of believers that deeply love and care for us, we are given the opportunity to receive truth and correction with humility, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel in the moment. Correction is hard, but it is necessary. Our hearts align more closely with our Father’s as we submit to godly correction and receive the forgiveness and grace He offers us.
Tuesday’s Reflection
Do you struggle to receive correction? Ask the Lord to soften your heart toward truth as you walk with Him.