The idea of “correction” is not seen as a positive experience for most of us, and has been since childhood. Yet God’s righteous correction can be so beneficial. It should not be avoided.
No sane person wakes up in the morning intending to harm. We all desire to do our best, to succeed in what we are about to undertake. But since we still live in this fallen world, in a body of flesh, we often make decisions based on our intelligence, experience, and tastes. Sometimes we make the wrong decision or do something that is not in the character of Christ. In some cases, it is a course of action or a way of thinking that we have adopted for years that is not befitting a child of God. That is where God’s correction comes in, for those who have truly given their life to God.
God does not correct us by sending lightning on our heads, or by sending us a deadly disease. It is important to distinguish between God’s judgment and His correction. God reprimands us with love, like a good father. “Our fathers on earth disciplined us for a short time in the way they thought was best. But God disciplines us to help us, so we can become holy as he is. We do not enjoy being disciplined. It is painful at the time, but later, after we have learned from it, we have peace, because we start living in the right way” (Hebrews 12:10-11 NCV). God’s correction is to sanctify us and remove everything from our lives that does not resemble Christ.
Our good Father invites us to change our actions, our words or our thoughts by speaking to us in our times of devotion, through teaching, or during an edifying exchange with our brothers and sisters, all of the course inspired by a biblical reference. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NCV). We should receive these corrections as a simple change of direction, not as an affront to our self-esteem. God does not like what we have just done, but He loves us. We can make mistakes, but we are not a mistake in His eyes.
Another reason for accepting corrections is because it also brings comfort to those around us. When a wrongdoer is not corrected, the injustice felt by others can create bitterness, a desire for revenge, etc. That is what happened when Ammon was not rebuked for his sin (2 Samuel 13). His father David was angered by his action, but he did nothing and this led Absalom to take revenge. When we do not act in the right way, and God points it out to us, asking forgiveness from the person we have offended can mend their heart and even lead them to give glory to God. Confessing our sins to others, admitting the places where we receive correction from God, is a profound act of humility that encourages others to draw closer to God and be introspective. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen” (James 5:16 NCV).
Practicing this type of humility will also be very practical when you are in a relationship. You will certainly make many mistakes in your relationship, but if you are not afraid of correction, you will quickly mend the breaches. Sometimes it will be God who corrects you, sometimes it will be the other person who asks you to change your behavior. If you have developed your humility well while single and if you are used to correcting your mistakes, instead of justifying them, you will experience much less stress in your future relationships.