Rebuke

29 October 2010.

Timothy I 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

As a Christian it takes great patience and tolerance to deal with others who claim to be Christian yet do not behave as one. The Scripture tells us that we should not judge, yet in other parts it tells us to rebuke others in the Body of the Church who do not act according to the discipline and commandments of Jesus Christ. This results in a dilemma as to what should be the correct response to bad Christian behaviour?

Christians should not be recognised by their preaching, but rather in the practising of what they preach. A man who  claims to be a Christian yet does not love his wife, proves that he is unable to be faithful, a woman who claims to be a Christian yet disrespects her husband is  also unable to be faithful. Unless Christianity is practised, then Christ died in vain, all the churches in the world may be full on Sunday, and people may belong to all kinds of committees and church associations, but without putting Christ first in all things, then they are only following their own religion. So when we see people who claim to be Christian and they act outside of biblical values, it is our duty to rebuke them. But in saying so we always need to be aware of the beam in our own eyes, so we should ensure that we are in the will of Christ at all times and in all we do.

Be encouraged to stand firm for what you believe in.

  

David

Point to ponder: We are called to be obedient to Christ.

Question to consider:  Would you rebuke unacceptable behaviour?

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