Good morning from here in Nairobi Kenya
This last year has definitely been an exposure year in the body of Messiah….
Not only are we finding exposure of predators as shepherds of congregations…. But we are witnessing…. An anti-semitism on a level never seen since the second World War…
And we are asking ourselves why is it God has to bring for allow a great tribulation ?
And do any of us actually deserve to be raptured from such a trial and test ?
Enjoy today’s teaching.
CORECTION ADONAI’S WAY
” For I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish of heart and With many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.”
2nd Corinthians 2 verse 4
What gives us the right to challenge other members of the body of Messiah about their attitudes, behavior or doctrine ?
This is not meant to be a judgemental question. Rav Saul/ Paul would regularly include correction in his letters, meaning there is a time and place for one believer to challenge another about concerns of faith, but when is this appropriate ?
Do we need to be well-versed in theology or doctrine to make such a challenge ?
Do we need to have proven Godly living or exhibited the gift of discernment ?
Is the right of Correction limited to pastors elders or rabbis ?
Training, gifts, and positions have their importance, but Paul emphasizes that all correction must be first and foremost done out of love !
Between 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Paul had sent an additional letter to the Corinthian congregation, and this letter had been– a painful one for him to write. While we are not entirely sure what issues Paul sought to correct, they were obviously difficult issues that made him write from a place of ” great distress and anguish of heart with many tears ” 2nd Corinthians 2 verse 4.
This letter actually strained the relationship between Paul and the congregation, but Paul makes clear his words of Correction were spoken out of love for the Corinthians.
Love does not express itself through condemnation.
Unless we are speaking to a different Spirit as Messiah looked straight at Peter and said ” get behind me Satan! “
But this still is not an easy Road as we can see when Yeshua spoke out against what the religious leaders in Jerusalem were doing….. because many people forget he was raised in the synagogue among the Pharisees these were his brothers growing up…. and this is why after giving correction he did so after weeping for the city , Luke Chapter 19 Verse 41.
He did not weep out of anger or moral superiority…. but from a desire that they would be SAVED to properly SERVE the WILL and PURPOSES of Adonai YHVH.
It broke His heart that the Jewish leaders his brothers in faith misunderstood, and misinterpreted Torah , ignoring the writings and the prophecy…..
They could not see the forest for the trees.
His love for them drove Him to speak words of Correction so they would come to know the truth. These words were not there to humiliate anyone ! Remember we all fall short of the glory of Adonai !
It is important we allow our hearts to be broken for the lost and misguided before we criticize.
Our desire to help and correct others should only be pursued after carefully considering the state of our own hearts !!!
And only then it must be from a desire to see people made right before Hashem YHVH.
I am speaking to myself in this teaching because many times it is difficult to tame one’s emotions and tongue and for this I must ask forgiveness in many cases.
Correction will hurt !
Those we correct may not appreciate it initially, which will undoubtedly cause a strain in the relationship as it did with Paul and the Corinthian congregation.
But to love is to correct and when it is required, even if it hurts.
The responsibility of a congregation leader is very important but also comes with great consequence to those who do not have the strength or heart to give correction and allow people to go down a path of destruction.
It tells us in scripture we will pay the price for this.
Yes it should actually grieve us when we see correction needs to be made and it gets ignored. BECAUSE IN MOST CASES ….SALVATION DEPENDS ON IT !
Correction performed out of love will have a far greater chance of being humbly received, which will then reap restoration, not just in our relationship with those we are correcting, but the relationship with Adonai and His ekklesia .
Our Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father
May I be ready to receive any correction I need right now…..
Grant me Your compassion and direction if there is anyone You want me to correct. But most importantly help me to continue to love and my heart be broken with what breaks Yours.
Thank You Adonai Amein