“Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.” Psalm 141:5a NLT
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6 NLT
I don’t believe any of us like it when we are called out for a particular sin or behaving in a displeasing manner, especially from a friend. Perhaps worse yet be it from an elder in your church or the pastor. We may come up with many excuses of which none are valid. Criticism of church leadership sometimes follows in the familiar rhetoric of ‘who are they to judge.’ Well, they are to judge with righteous judgment the flock Jesus, the great shepherd, has given them.
Peter’s words to pastors are this, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” (1Pt.5:2 nlt) Paul instructs the young pastor, Timothy, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” (2Tim.4:2 nlt) Good teaching is not only spoken from the pulpit or the classroom, but through godly rebuke and discipline for correction to one who has sinned. It may hurt, but it is a comforting blow. The psalmist describes it by saying, “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.” (Ps.141:5a nlt)
Correction through a rebuke is never pleasant but is sometimes necessary. It is a blow, but a godly blow. It is given in kindness for the benefit of the one who receives it. It is for correction and is the medicine that is needed. If we are smart, we won’t refuse it. And if it happens to come from a friend, a true friend, remember, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Pr.27:6 nlt) They have your best interest at heart.
Word for the Soul 