One thing I never fail to do is to correct my children when they err. Sometimes, it is with a few strokes of the cane, and at other times, just the right word would do. But in all, I have always reiterated my love for them despite the correction, and this they know without any shadow of doubt.

Friend, one of the attributes of true love is correction. Actually, the real opposite of love is not hatred, it is indifference. “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts” (Hebrews 12:6). Your attitude towards correction is a reflection of your ‘heartitude’ before God. This was the major difference between Saul and David (2 Samuel 12:13).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). You must be an “all scriptures” Christian, not a “some scriptures” Christian or a “favourite scriptures” Christian. You should embrace the word of God in its totality including the parts that correct you (Acts 20:27).

Until you are corrected, your life cannot be correct. None of us is perfect, only God is; we are all journeying towards perfection. It is the instrumentality of correction that God uses to bring us into perfection. God corrects us, not out of hatred, but out of love, so that we might be partakers of His holiness and become thoroughly furnish for destiny (2 Timothy 3:17, Hebrews 12:10).

The word of God can either make you glad, sad or mad. Don’t forget that “…godly sorrow works repentance to salvation…” (2 Corinthians 7:10). There is still the place of godly sorrow in our walk with the Lord. It is to bring us into repentance and transformation. God does this in love, and we should learn to embrace this kind of ministry too; it’s all in the total package.

“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…” (Psalms 141:5). You must have this posture, that David had, towards those that God uses to correct you. Understand that correction, though sometimes painful, is a proof of kindness (love) and the gateway to excellence in life and destiny. You will succeed!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria