by Sometimes, some actions of loved ones hurt us and cause us negative feelings. Although many can react impulsively and make the situation worse, there is still a way to point out mistakes so that they can learn from them. So, how to rebuke someone biblically without offending the one who means the most to you?
Stay with us as we look at all the biblical meanings relating to rebuke and its impact on everyday lives.
How to Rebuke Someone Biblically
Rebuke occupies an important place in the Scripture. It is known that Jesus encourages you to rebuke, not to cause negative feelings, but to learn and repent.
The Bible says that reproof is good if we have good intentions. Therefore, when you rebuke a sinner, you should expose the sin and ask for repentance. And always look to encourage one another.
Remember that He is always with you to help you overcome the most difficult moments if you ask for repentance.
For this purpose, we will present you some tips on how to rebuke someone biblically and help those who are important in your life.
- Have a purpose
When you rebuke, you need to know the purpose and the reaction you will cause. Therefore, rebuking should not be a tool of revenge fueled by envy or jealousy. Instead, improving your character and getting back on track should be your primary goal when you want to rebuke those you care about.
Therefore, before you take measures to point out the mistakes made by the person who means to you, you should know that you are acting honestly. If you lead the rebuke out of insincere emotions, you will only make matters worse and be misunderstood.
When you take thoughtful steps, the rebuke will be sincere and have a positive impact.
- Be straightforward
Many of you tend to state the problem subtly without directly explaining it. This way is usually wrong and can lead the interlocutor to wrong impressions and conclusions.
So, when the problem arises, be direct and say it openly. However, before you state the problem, be prepared to listen and ensure the problem will be solved.
On the other hand, an impulsive and thoughtless reprimand will only make things more difficult.
- Help solve the problem
Reprimanding doesn’t have to be the only thing you do. In addition to pointing out the problem, it is good to help solve it. If you have sincere intentions, you will be willing to go through all the trials and the healing process.
To begin with, the person who means to you should know where he is in life. Once he sees the problem, then you can approach solving it together.
And not only that, it is good to emphasize that you will be present throughout the process and ensure that you get that person back on the right path.
- Be willing to forgive
In addition to rebuking, ensure that you are willing to give mercy and forgive all wrongs done to you. Therefore, do not rebuke the person if you are not ready to forgive if the person apologizes to you.
Also, make sure that person understands their situation and that they made a mistake.
What Are the Most Used Bible Verses Referencing Rebuking?
Rebuke is frequently found in the Bible and is an integral part of Christianity. In the Holy Scripture, you can meet different types of rebuke, human or divine.
You think of Jesus and the apostles addressing those who sin when discussing divine rebuke. In that way, they point out that they are straying from God’s path and need faith to correct it all.
To make it easier to understand rebuke and its meaning, we will present you some of the Bible verses where it is often mentioned:
Proverbs 17:10
“A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.”
This verse speaks of a man’s character and his acceptance of rebuke. Therefore, that person characterized by humility and a desire to know the truth is always ready to correct himself and listen.
Namely, rebukes and corrections are effective only if they go from the righteous person to the one who is open to understanding and is ready to be corrected.
Proverbs 9:8
“Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”
People who mock or belittle are likely to respond to rebuke with hatred and rejection. On the other hand, a wise man is willing to listen and will appreciate the correction and rebuke you give him.
As Jesus called you to repent from sin, you will be closer to Him and follow his way. This was also done by Peter, who confessed his mistakes in the presence of Jesus and then proclaimed Jesus as Savior and God.
1 Timothy 5:1
“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,”
This verse refers to Timothy and how he should treat older people and the younger ones. Namely, according to this and the following verses, Timothy should not rebuke older people and speak harshly to them but should see them as a father figure.
On the other hand, younger men should be seen as brothers, not slaves or an inferior class. Moreover, in this verse, Timothy receives counsel that is similar to the counsel that Peter gave to the elders.
Accordingly, Peter advises them to shepherd the flock of God willingly and not under compulsion. Nor should you lord it over those in charge of you, but be an example to the flock.
Titus 2:15
“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
This verse concerns Titus, who Paul commissioned to exhort and encourage. When encouragement is mentioned, it means the positive aspects of Christian truth.
On the other hand, rebuke refers to defending the truth from false prophets and teachers.
What Does the Bible Say About Rebuking?
In the Old and New Testament, one can find many passages that refer to rebuke. According to the Holy Scriptures, a rebuke should not cause a negative feeling in the other person but rather encourage reflection and contribute to a greater understanding.
As the verse of Matthew 18:15 says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
Therefore, it is the duty of every Christian to react when his brother or sister does things that harm himself, the neighbor, or God. Remember that no one is born sinless, and no one is immune to mistakes in life.
Therefore, rebuke is only one way to get the believer back on the right path and continue to see God’s will.
Rebuke in love
The rebuke from those you love can be complex and challenging, mainly because of the fear of the reaction and of hurting them even more.
However, when it comes to love, Jesus teaches you to rebuke each other only if you have pure intentions and love.
Therefore, before pointing out the problem, you should ask yourself how to approach it and whether your rebuke will have a positive result. If you have sincere intentions and a pure heart, He will give you the right words to reach that person. That way, the rebuke will be gentle and filled with love.
FAQs
What does the Bible say about gentle rebuke?
Gentle rebuke is found in Proverbs 15:4, where it says that a gentle tongue will rebuke for the good of the one who hears. Moreover, words that point out mistakes can hurt, but as long as they come from a sincere person, they can only help you.
Why does God rebuke?
The rebuke from God should be considered a correction. You all know that you have sinned in certain situations, and the rebuke from Him is a reminder that you should repent and continue on His way. That’s the only way you’ll find a solution to the most challenging moments you face in life.
What is a life-giving rebuke?
Life-giving rebuke is something you must learn to appreciate and recognize. When there is a life-giving rebuke, it means that you need to distinguish between who is foolish and who is wise.
Besides, you should distinguish which people to trust and who have good intentions toward you.
Conclusion
Although it can cause an unpleasant feeling, rebuke can help you to question your actions and pray for forgiveness. However, if you reprimand someone who matters to you, think carefully about the consequences you can cause.
You will only complicate things if you don’t approach them honestly and wholeheartedly. On the other hand, if you have good intentions and that person means something to you, you will try to help him solve his problems and get back on the right path.
At the very end, we hope you have learned how to rebuke someone biblically and how to help them repent of their mistakes.
