Devotionals: Active Word - July 9, 2011

Devotionals www.crosswalk.com Active Word - July 9, 2011 9 Jul 2011, 5:00 am    July 9 Correctable character Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Proverbs 9:8 (NKJV) Our character is revealed when we’re corrected. That’s the kernel of truth contained in Proverbs 9:8, where two different characters are introduced to us. First, we have a scoffer. The Hebrew word for “scoffer” literally means to mock or mouth-off at something. It describes a person whose heart is stubborn and sarcastic. They’re totally closed off from hearing or receiving any form of correction. And when corrected, the scoffer hates the person doing the correcting. Secondly, we have a wise man. His response is much different. When corrected, he doesn’t hate the one correcting him. He receives what the person has to say and appreciates the fact that he said it. He actually loves the corrector for stepping up and sharing, because he recognizes it’s for his own good. So which are we? Are we a scoffer, or are we wise? None of us will probably admit to being a scoffer. We’re going to cast ourselves in the role of the one who’s wise. But let’s go back to the principle presented in this Proverb, because it will answer the question for us. How do we respond when corrected? Do we have a hard time swallowing our medicine? Do we stiff-arm anyone who calls us out? Or do we welcome correction, regardless of how it stings? Instead of pushing back, are we willing to stop and listen to those words and consider their potential relevance and value? If we’re really wise, we’re going to love those who share their corrective concerns with us. We will receive and consider what they have to say. So pay attention to the way you receive correction. It says a lot about your character.   Think About It… What does this passage reveal to me about God? What does this passage reveal to me about myself? Based on this, what changes do I need to make? What is my prayer for today? SPECIAL OFFER New 365 Devotional Volume 2 God's mercy is new every day. That's because it's needed daily. So to help you walk through a fresh new day, the Active Word has put together this second volume of the 365 Devotional.  Our hope in creating this series of devotionals, is to help you connect with God's Word 365 days a year. And the best thing is, you can start any day of the year. Stay in step with God's Word, His will, and learn to live out your faith, daily.   You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this feed at blogtrottr.com. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this feed.