Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Rebuking

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In the Christian tradition, love is a fundamental principle that governs interactions among individuals. This love is not merely an emotion but a guiding force that should be evident even in the act of rebuking. Rebuking, when done in love, serves as a corrective measure aimed at guiding others back to righteousness and truth.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of love in the context of rebuking. Proverbs 27:5-6 states, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This passage highlights that a rebuke, when given in love, is more beneficial than hidden affection. It underscores the idea that true love does not shy away from correcting others when necessary.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself provides a model for loving rebuke. In Matthew 18:15 , He instructs, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." This directive emphasizes the importance of addressing wrongdoing directly and privately, with the aim of restoration rather than condemnation.

Purpose and Approach

The purpose of rebuking in love is not to condemn or belittle but to restore and edify. Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." This verse highlights the need for gentleness and self-awareness when correcting others, ensuring that the rebuke is constructive and not destructive.

Furthermore, Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to speak "the truth in love," promoting growth and unity within the body of Christ. This balance of truth and love is crucial in ensuring that rebukes are received in the spirit they are given.

Examples of Loving Rebuke

The Apostle Paul provides several examples of loving rebuke in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses the issue of immorality within the Corinthian church. His rebuke is firm yet motivated by a desire to see the church purified and the individual restored. Similarly, in Galatians 2:11-14, Paul confronts Peter for his hypocrisy, doing so openly to correct a public error that could lead others astray.

Practical Application

For believers today, exhibiting love in rebuking involves several key practices:

1. Prayerful Preparation: Before addressing an issue, seek God's guidance to ensure that the rebuke is necessary and that it is delivered in the right spirit.

2. Private Confrontation: Whenever possible, address the issue privately to avoid unnecessary embarrassment and to foster a more open and honest dialogue.

3. Gentleness and Humility: Approach the individual with a spirit of gentleness, recognizing one's own fallibility and the grace that God extends to all.

4. Focus on Restoration: The ultimate goal of rebuking should be the restoration of the individual to a right relationship with God and others.

5. Follow-Up: After the rebuke, continue to support and encourage the individual, demonstrating ongoing love and commitment to their spiritual growth.

In summary, love to man, when exhibited in rebuking, aligns with the biblical mandate to correct with compassion, aiming for the edification and restoration of the individual within the community of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:17
You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall in any wise rebuke your neighbor, and not suffer sin on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:15
Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John xi. 30, 31
... the shadow of Peter raised a dead man; and so ... as that when He was dead others should
be enabled to ... when it arises from glowing feelings, great love, [1749] and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxiii john xi 30.htm

Rom. xi. 7
... of the Gentiles thus well supplied; and of much wisdom that He should constitute
the ... To which may we all attain by the grace and love toward man, etc. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix rom xi 7.htm

Rom. xiv. 1, 2
... For indeed we are not so much in love with money ... this is suitable with God, that
there should be a ... unnumbered, enjoy the same advantages with the man who has ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxv rom xiv 1.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ...
... they who a little before "rebuked them that they should hold their ... outwardly in tones
of terror, let the spirit of love and gentleness ... "If a man be overtaken ...
/.../sermon xxxviii on the words.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... Even in the case of a spiritual man, inasmuch as ... those whom he inwardly inspires
with a love of obedience ... But lest we should stumble against the same stone, let ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

1 Cor. I. 10
... to be rejected, doth so not for love of honor, but ... For a naked man's escaping a wound
is not so ... and unlettered person"that a fisherman"should overcome such ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iii 1 cor i.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... grieved, but that ye might know the love which I ... likelihood, desirous that his brethren
in Judea should have a ... Solomon has said that "a man's gift maketh room ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

Formula Concordi??.
... not, as a slave, from fear of punishment, but from love of righteousness ... powers,
there is need that the law of God should always shine before man, that he ...
/.../schaff/the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/formula concordiae.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... says, 'He hath chosen us in him, that we should be holy and without blame before
him through love; who has ... well of all, and not rashly judge any man to be ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... in the other, without authority and comes from man. ... wholly burned"in the fire of
his unfathomable love. ... you fail, if you stumble, you should immediately rise ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm