The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “correction” as “bringing into conformity with a standard” which leads to the need for identification of the standard to which we’re to conform. As believers, certainly our Holy God would be the standard for when Christians need correction, not ourselves or the way of the world (Rom. 12:1-2).
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Eph. 1:4)
Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, … to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27)
For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. (1 Thess. 4:7)
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. (2 Tim. 1:9)
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:15-16)
How God Uses Our Spiritual Gifts to Bring the Needed Correction
We all have a part in helping each other get into alignment with the heart and ways of our Holy God:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:1-2)
Yet, because of where a person might be in the process, they might need different approaches when seeking to correct them.
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thess. 5:13)
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Tim. 4:2)
This is where the different spiritual gifts come in so God’s power flows through in ways that help the person. Not everyone needs to be warned. The person may be fully aware of God’s will but needs help changing their ways. Some may need more long-term help while other just need someone to come alongside for the short term.
Check out the Ministry Handbook: Spiritual Gifts in Use which suggests three spiritual gifts in particular that each take a different approach, meeting specific needs in bringing correction.
No matter what our spiritual gifting might be, we can ask God to give us the wisdom, understanding, and ability to effectively minister outside of our gifting to help bring the person who has wandered from the truth back into alignment with our Holy God (James 5:19-20).
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Church Discipline:
- Church Discipline Because of Church Purpose
- Lack of Church Discipline Against God’s Purposes
- Church Discipline Must Exemplify God’s Purposes
- Involvement of Body in Church Discipline
- Body Life Can Prevent Need for Church Discipline
- Discipleship and Church Discipline
- Discipleship Not Church Discipline
- Holiness the Objective for Church Discipline
- Lack of Holiness Affects the Whole Body
- Holiness Dictates HOW We Exercise Church Discipline
- Authority & Power Needed in Church Discipline
- Pivotal Role of Holy Spirit in Church Discipline
- Church Discipline But They Didn’t Change
- The Standard for Conduct
- The Power of Grace in Church Discipline
- If His Name is Holy Then …
- Prayer is Essential as a Preventative and When in Process
- When Christians Need Correction
- God’s Word Brings Correction
- It’s Not About Giving Up on People
- Church Discipline is a Matter of Stewardship
- Leader Qualities in Church Discipline