“Your warning may be a needed guardrail to protect someone from the consequences of foolishness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 27, 2021
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:14, NASB
Admonishment is a gentle, but firm warning. It is best received when the words are delivered clearly and directly in a well-oiled relationship of trust and love. A recommended idea is optional, but an admonishment is a strong suggestion. It implores an idea to an individual by almost demanding, but humility holds it back. A brother or sister in Christ admonishes another to protect them from foolish friends or an unwise choice.
Blessed are we to have men and women in our lives, who feel the freedom to warn us of potential train wrecks. Those who have traveled the road of life longer know where to tread lightly or not at all. It is a blessing, not a curse for us to have someone who cares enough to tell us the truth. A messenger who means well is not meant to be dismissed, but desired. Be grateful for a reproving word, an honest assessment or direct warning.
“It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5).
Who do you know who needs you to tell them what you know? Are you withholding valuable information that could save someone from a financial or relational crisis? Yes, make sure your motive is to bring help not harm, but don’t wait until it is too late. Busyness or fear of rejection is not a good reason to hold back. Summon up your courage in prayer and with practice. Do for one what you would like to do for many. Your warning may be a needed guardrail to protect someone from the consequences of foolishness.
Moreover, there are those who are not ready to receive a rebuke. A fool is like Teflon—responsibility rarely sticks to his or her life. The immature cannot handle truth, so don’t waste your words on those who are not ready. However, God knows the heart. So ask the Spirit to lead you into conversations that cultivate a heart of good soil, where a seed of admonishment grows a tree of wise decision-making. Admonish the teachable.
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you” (Proverbs 9:8).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me to love your children with a gentle heart, a firm faith and with clear truth, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who needs my loving concern to ask him to reconsider an unwise direction?
Related Reading
Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 13:1; 25:12; Colossians 1:28; 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Worship Resource
Maverick City Music: Better
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