In what ways can we "admonish" others with love and truth today? Setting the Stage: Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” What “Admonish” Really Means • The Greek noutheteō carries the idea of warning, correcting, and guiding back onto the right path. • It is never harsh scolding; it’s heartfelt, truth-filled counsel aimed at helping a brother or sister glorify Christ. Why Love Must Shape Every Admonition • Ephesians 4:15 — “speaking the truth in love” keeps correction from sounding like condemnation. • Proverbs 27:5-6 — “Better an open rebuke than hidden love… wounds of a friend can be trusted.” Genuine affection undergirds the tough words. • 1 Corinthians 13:2 — truth without love is noise; love without truth is empty. Practical Ways to Admonish Today 1. Private, face-to-face conversations (Matthew 18:15) – Reduces embarrassment and rumors. 2. Scripture-anchored guidance – Use passages, not personal opinions (2 Timothy 3:16). 3. Story-telling and testimony – Share how God corrected you; it disarms defensiveness. 4. Gentle questions instead of accusations – “Help me understand…” invites dialogue. 5. Consistent encouragement alongside correction (1 Thessalonians 5:14) – Balance “Stop this” with “Press on in this.” 6. Written notes or texts when distance prevents a talk – Keep tone warm; include a Bible verse. 7. Worship together – Colossians 3:16 links singing with admonishing; shared praise softens hearts. 8. Accountability partnerships – Meet regularly, pray, and check progress (Hebrews 3:13). 9. Model repentance yourself – Galatians 6:1 urges the spiritual to restore “in a spirit of gentleness, watching yourself.” 10. Celebrate steps of obedience – Joy reinforces change far better than ongoing critique. Guardrails for God-Honoring Correction • Check motives: Is the aim to win a soul or win an argument? • Examine your life first (Matthew 7:3-5). • Speak clearly, briefly, and biblically—avoid gossip. • Maintain confidentiality unless safety requires otherwise. • Pray before and after the conversation; leave results to the Spirit. Encouraging Growth Through Truth • Truth reveals the path (Psalm 119:105). • Love provides the courage to walk it (1 John 4:18). • Together they foster maturity “to the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Living It Out Together Admonishing with love and truth is family work. When the word of Christ dwells richly in us, correction flows naturally—like a caring brother warning a sibling of danger. Embrace it humbly, give it gently, and trust the Lord to use it for His glory and our collective growth. |
    |