FORGIVENESS
«As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent»
(Revelation 3: 1 9)
According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Fifth Edition, online version), the meaning of the verb reprimand is «to reprove (someone) severely, especially in a formal or official way; to admonish; to rebuke.» It implies confronting someone with the evil of their actions in order to make him repent. The Bibles teaches us that God reprimands and punishes out of love. But, even if the intent is a positive one, most of the people prefer to hear pleasant words and they tend to get angry, defend themselves or attack the person who dared to reprimand them. God’s Word exposes several ways of reprimanding that go from a delicate admonishment to a severe reprimand (Matt. 18:15; 1 Tim. 5:20).
One of the first reprimands of Jesus was toward her own mother. During the wedding of Cana, seeing Jesus surrounded by disciples, out of her motherhood pride; Mary wanted everyone to know that her son was sent from God. So noticing that they had run out of wine, she looked for Him to make a miracle. Jesus, in respectful words, made her understand that His relationship with her did not give her a special claim upon Him or the right to direct Him in His mission.
When James and John proposed to command fire from heaven to consume those who did not receive Jesus, He reprimanded them because He did not come «to destroy men’s lives but to save them» (Luke 9:56). Peter also -received a severe reprimand when he tried to redirect Christ from His imminent death (Matt. 16:23).
What about the high dignitaries of His time? They were called hypocrites, «for you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence» (Matt. 23:25),
The Word of God is filled with reprimands. Throughout the ages, God’s servants brought these messages to a world that does not like to listen to advice or to improve their behavior. Only a few will accept the reprimand as an act of kindness and great service (Ps. 141:5). «Satan is ready enough to point out whatever good we have; but it is only a faithful friend that will . . . shew you your deficiencies,» wrote Charles Simeon, an English clergyman in the nineteenth-century.
Now, think about this: do I gratefully accept the reprimands that come from heaven or do defend myself from the one who doesn’t praise me with pleasant words?
May God give us humility and wisdom to distinguish His affectionate reprimands.
There is a compassionate intention that guides repentance.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Alejandra Zavala & Magda Sanz
