Proverbs 9:7-9

⁷Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. ⁸Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. ⁹Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

News Articles

Reading news articles can be beneficial positively or negatively. Topics that a person reads the most will surely influence his mindset. When you read news articles, what topic do you regularly choose to spend most of your time? Do you read news articles on sports, entertainment, business, health or just read random news articles that may fascinate you? Do you read news articles about politicians?

Political news articles had polarized not just the media but also subscribers. The devastating wildfire in Hawaii has attracted cause-oriented groups to advance their agenda. While others may blame climate change for the wildfire, others did not waste their time to advance their political agenda. Contrasting political mindset of readers can be found easily in the comment section of news articles.

Christians can also use tragic situations to share the love of God to victims. We pray for believers or ministry workers in the area of tragedies that the Lord may overflow his grace through them, especially to potential believers. Together, let’s reflect on Colossians 4:2-6, ²Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ⁴Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Our Lord Jesus Christ had mandated us to testify of his love and grace we personally experienced. He prepared potential believers for us to witness to but he also set a divine appointment. So while waiting in anticipation of his perfect timing, we also spend time praying, why? Praying for opportunity to share the gospel can be our personal preparation mindfully, emotionally and spiritually.

To evangelize is godly intention. It certainly attracts resistance from the enemy. We must be aware always that the gospel of Christ can only be accepted by potential believers that the Lord had prepared. So, it’s wise to be prayerful because sharing the gospel of Christ is spiritual warfare that invites oppositions.

1.  Invite

⁷Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. ⁸Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

The gospel of Christ requires repentance and transformation in behavior. To correct the unrepentant person invites insult, abuse and hatred. Repentance is appreciated only when a person is ready to believe in Christ. We have to keep in mind that this instruction is prescribed for repentant individuals not to everybody.

Truly, it is also very tempting to share the gospel of Christ because we want our love ones to experience betterment of life that we’ve personally experienced. But again, remember that not all love ones may readily embrace our sympathy.

Nevertheless, how can we know when they are willing to listen to advice? Always be aware that correcting a mocker may respond or invite an insult.

Tithe

You may have heard this story. Someone asked, “Do you give tithe?” “Yes!” the Christian replied. “Roughly, how much do you tithe monthly for how long?” a follow up question came. “Uh, roughly about $1,000.00 monthly for more than 20 years now!” the answer came. “Hmn! That’s roughly $240,000. You know, if you have invested that amount you could have bought your Ferrari?” “Yeah! I know. How about you, do you give tithes?” the Christian asked. “No!” the first person confidently responded. “So, where’s your Ferrari?” came the rebuke.

You can just imagine how the conversation had ended. People who do not believe in biblical principle think they are smart to rebuke practicing Christian. Likewise, many Christians are eager to give biblical advice. We need to remember that spiritual realities can only be discerned through the help of the Holy Spirit. If they have not personally accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, then they can’t absorb and internalize biblical truth no matter how sincere our intention is.

Remember when it says in 1 Corinthians 2:14 (CEV), ¹⁴This is why only someone who has God’s Spirit can understand spiritual blessings. Anyone who doesn’t have God’s Spirit thinks these blessings are foolish.

It is godly desire to help others know that obeying God is the best life a person can ever live on earth. But, without faith in Christ, they cannot imagine how they can live the best life ever. Why? When we are inspired by the Holy Spirit we can internalize the instruction of the Lord as best choice for our life.

2.  Instruct

^8brebuke the wise and they will love you. ⁹Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

How you may formulate an admonition cannot cause others to attentively listen. With godly intention, rebuke can either cause others to love you or hate you. The wise wants to add to their knowledge while mockers respond with insult.

Have you been tempted to give unsolicited advice just because you just cared too much for the betterment of others? Or do you hesitate to give advice?

Out of School

In the TV show, a young person aggressively uploaded online negative comments against a celebrity. At the twist and turns of events, the celebrity came face to face the internet troll. The celebrity gave well-intended advice to the critic for her welfare but instead of appreciation, the critic aggressively responded: “You are not my teacher. I don’t go to school. What do you know? Do you have parents who neglect you and do not support your studies?”

Well-intended advice is not appreciated when there’s no intention to learn. But still people would easily give unsolicited advice when they feel like giving it. Why? Is it foolishness to give unsolicited advice that could be ignored? When their children don’t behave properly. parents are quick to advise them. Yet more often than not, children would just respond obliviously or even disrespectfully.

Surely, to give timely biblical advice is also inspired by the Holy Spirit. Rebuke is not advisable to be given randomly. Be prayerful when you rebuke or else you’ll be hated or insulted, if your rebuke is not appreciated. Colossian 3:21, says, ²¹Parents, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

This is spiritual truth that requires inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Parents are very passionate sometimes that they presume that their idealism is the best for their children. It is possible that one child may respond positively while other children may not conceptualize the essentiality of advice.

Parents: Have you ever told your children something like: “Look at your brother! Look at your sister! Follow their foot step. Don’t be like our neighbor!” Many parents compare their children and presume that one child can be the same as the other. Why? We heard it from previous generation. Should we copy it?

Surely, parents can be encourager or a cause of discouragement to children.

What can we do parents? What can you do children? We all need wisdom.

Parents: Pray for wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit before giving advice to your children.

Children: Pray for wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit for you to appreciate godly advice that may benefit you in the long run.

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