INTRODUCTION

Believers rebuke others in one form or another on a daily basis, but what is the purpose of rebuking? Some rebuke others out of pride, with the goal of leaving others feeling inferior. Some rebuke others in order to cover up some glaring fault in their own lives. What should be the desired purpose of rebuking others? According to Titus 1:13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
See All..., believers were to rebuke others "that they may be sound in the faith." The goal is never to be self-indulgence, but rather the improvement of others. It should never be the desire of a believer to see another person destroyed; but, rather, edified by the biblical rebuke given. This truth is reiterated in Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
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DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Samuel rebuked the children of Israel for asking for a king. Then he encouraged them to keep following God and said he would pray for them and teach them the good and right way (1 Samuel 12:16-25 [16] Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. [17] Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. [18] So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. [19] And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. [20] And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; [21] And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. [22] For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. [23] Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: [24] Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. [25] But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.
  See All...). He truly loved and wanted to help God's people.
• Do you rebuke others in order to feel superior to them? Do you rebuke others in order to cover-up for an area of weakness in your own life?
• How can you harm others when you rebuke them out of the wrong spirit? How could this truly grieve the Lord? How many people have you harmed with unscriptural rebukes?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you rebuke others with the right purpose.
• Ask the Lord to help you care for others.

HYMN

Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

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