Articles
BEING CORRECTED
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. –Proverbs 15:31
While it is hard to admit one’s failures and change one’s course, it may be even harder when someone else is pointing out one’s need to do so. After all, hardly anybody is wrong any more. “Not guilty” is today’s common plea. When accused, the guy accusing is believed to have the problem, not me.
Perhaps the apostle Peter grew accustomed to the idea of being corrected. Jesus rebuked him for having “little faith” as he sank in the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:28–31). I can only imagine his puzzled look when Jesus scolded him in Matthew 16:23, “Get behind me, Satan!… you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” As Peter declares to the Savior his unswerving allegiance, Jesus contradicts and warns Peter of his approaching denial (Luke 22:32–34). In Galatians 2, Paul recounts his own correction of Peter—“I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned” (verse 11)—in the presence of all due to his hypocrisy over the Gentiles.
Peter provides quite a model for imitation in these instances. Initially, was Peter steamed when corrected? Did he lash out at his accuser? Did he defend his actions regardless and refuse to bend or change? The scene of Paul’s public rebuke of Peter must have been quite a spectacle … apostle opposing apostle! With the wrong attitudes present, a messy situation would have resulted. The implication from Scripture is that Peter ultimately humbled himself, accepted the correction, learned his lesson, and continued on in faith on each occasion.
What if I’m on the receiving end of someone correcting with a charge that is inaccurate, unfair or prompted by wrong motives? Do I respond angrily, in immediate self-defense or start accusing in return? James provides some solid counsel when being corrected, “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19). It’s much easier to deal with an incorrect criticism with a calm attitude then out of anger. Correcting another based on truth is helpful, loving and needed. However, correction is to be gentle. It comes from love, not from a sour personality. Galatians 5:22-23 says the Spirit wants to produce in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If the correction cannot be expressed in keeping with the fruit of the Spirit, it's better left unsaid.
