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The Road Less Traveled

Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Hebrews 12:10-11 says, “God disciplines us for our own good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” What better way to love a brother or sister in Christ than to redirect them onto the road less traveled? There have been many times in my life where I have been confronted. As the receiver, I had the ability of reacting in one of two ways: I could continue in my sin or I could respect that what I was doing was sinful and change. As I look back, I ponder in thought about how grateful I am for those who loved me so much as to sit me down and point out to me that what I was doing was against the Word of God. Of course, there were many other times where I chose to ignore the rebuke and continue in rebellion, causing more harm to myself in the end. Though these times of discipline were uncomfortable and sometimes awkward, they were necessary because it was in those moments of vulnerability that brought forth individual growth and strengthened relationships. Over time, I have realized that the only people who rebuke me are those who acquire the heart of the Lord and desire nothing more than to see me share in his holiness, as Hebrews 12:10 says. When it comes to others, it is just as uncomfortable to confront as it is to be confronted. Though I am usually always on the receiving end of rebukes, there have been a handful of instances where I have dealt them, too. I have always found it important to remember that when it comes to confronting others, it is about nothing other than promoting change for the person being confronted. When we approach others who are in sin with this attitude, love becomes the reason and Christ remains the center. 

Application
Today, I will write down the rebukes in which I have received since being here and recognize the growth that has come from them. 

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