If you must rebuke, make sure there is love behind it

Why do some people believe that because I do not agree with you or you do not agree with me, then hate has to be the emotional outcome? Wow. That’s scary!

I can think (but won’t share) of a myriad of things that loved ones do that I am adamantly against. Does it mean that I now hate them? No way.

Ironically, the opposite is true. I will speak to certain behaviours or choices and express horror and disappointment because of my love for them. That only makes sense, because otherwise my silence might give the impression that I do not care or that I consent to their deeds.

As Christians following the lead and love of Jesus Christ, you are challenged to speak to the issues of sin in and out of the church building, while ensuring that the one committing the sin understands that your love for him or her desires the best for him or her. Indeed, every Christian’s word should seek to esteem another. For it is only when persons sense genuine love that they will receive godly advice with the heart of love wherewith it is given.

Jesus did this. Zacchaeus was a thief, taking from the people more than he should have. Jesus went to his home and showed him love and it was the love that drew Zacchaeus to salvation. When Zaccheus changed he could no longer do what was wrong. Love won him.

Jesus met the woman at the well and told her about her sins. Jesus “outed” that woman. Yet, Jesus did that rebuke in private. It was a private rebuke in a public place. Because of the tender heart of Jesus, the woman was able to receive rebuke and not get her back up.

No, she was thankful for rebuke administered in love. That love is what caused her to change and never go back to her sinful past.

These are only two examples; there are many more. The bottom line is that Jesus corrected behaviour and was never called a hater because of it. Why? Because the love in His voice and in His manner was undeniable!

Let me encourage saints that in whatever you do, it must be graced with kindness, coated in consideration, and bathed in love.

It is only as you shed forth the love of God that sinners will be drawn to Him through repentance.

Never say hateful words, or give others an opportunity to call your words or actions hateful.

Season your words and the timing of delivering those words with wisdom. Anoint your words with the perfect love of God.

You may not be accepted because of your stance as a Christian and you may be called all sorts of names.

The beauty of it all is that adversity causes you to triumph because of love.

So no matter what hate is thrown towards you, throw back love and remember that your mission is mandated by a foundation of love.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

And let’s not forget:

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Rebuke in godly love is followed by the self-convicting power of choice and of conscience.

In order to add to the uplifting of Bermuda, walk in love and watch God bring healing to this land. Respice finem.

Dr. Maria A. Seaman is the Pastor of Shekinah Worship Centre, located at 98 North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish CR 01.