Correcting A Fellow Christian

It was very difficult for me to sleep last night. My mind kept wandering to God's word. I am so hungry and eager to learn more from it. And it hit me, that I don't know all there is to know about the bible.  Matter of fact, if we can all be honest for a moment, not many of us do. Sure there are parts we know like the back of our hand; but what if one day you come across a scripture that rebukes something you  have been doing. Do you immediately say, hmm, that must be a bad behavior and I really need to stop? What if instead of finding it in scripture, a fellow Christian let you know? Would you be offended?

I've been thinking about this a lot the past few days. And you know, maybe last week I would have said "Yes, how dare they judge me! Like they know!" But, you know what? The bible tells us as Christians to correct our brother. I was thinking, why would the correct me? Surely it's not to display my faults for all to see and hear about. Nah. It's something much deeper than that. I think the reason our brothers and sisters correct us, is because the love us!

*GASP*

What if my inappropriate behavior leads another Christian astray and I don't even realize? If you catch it and tell me "Katie, that is inappropriate, the scripture says...." Well thank you very much! I pray and rid myself of inappropriate behavior, and instead of getting all upset and calling everyone I know about it. I might actually thank the person.

Now on the subject of correcting a fellow Christian. You might be scared and worried that they are going to be angry or upset with you. But the bible had instructions in Matthew. 18:15-17. First go  to them. Speak with love; because not everyone realizes if you are correcting them you must love them. If they refuse to believe you then go and find one or two others to come with you. (Probably the best if this was your leadership.) And tell them again. If they still don't believe you it says to separate yourself from them. Not out of anger, though. I'm still a bit unsure on how to do this.

And I know a lot of us have problems if the person who corrects us doesn't have their life quite as straight as we think it ought to be. It might make you upset, but being polite is always a key. Because you do not want to cause division. And if you have questions, maybe ask your pastor or pray about it. Don't go in there saying "So and so corrected me and I just don't think it's right!" Remember to speak love. Say, "I was corrected by a brother or sister, and I'm unsure if I agree. Do you mind helping me? Maybe I haven't read it in scripture yet."

But like I said, I know it's difficult. But you know what? I'm going to stop being so easily offended by my brothers and sisters and start loving them instead.