Words of Correction/Healing - Sept. 23

Songs of Worship: Come Now Is the Time to Worship; Be Unto Your Name; You Said; I Want to Know You More.

Words are like arrows, instead of dagger, because they can go deep and cause damage beyond contact point.

James 5:9

Judge not, lest you be judged. - Matthew 7:1-6

Judge yourself first so that you can see clearly to remove the spike from your brother's eye.

To judge clearly is good. There is good judgment. The Bible warns against a particular way of judging. (Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is rather "judgmental," because He is HUGE on truth. :-)

James 4:11-12; James 5:9; Matthew 7:1-6 - Judge as grumble, slander, judge against

Galatians 6:1-5
* The Law of Christ: John 13:34-35 - Love one another.
* Sin - not personal quirks; issues that are offensive to God.

We correct because the person is getting hurt by the spike, because to sin is to stumble and it hurts.

How to give correction to one another:
1. Be sensitive. It is out of concern, not to criticize or condemn.
2. Be spiritual. It is from the prompting of the Spirit. God talks and He leads you to correct another. His time and His truth.
3. Be humble. First examine yourself. Galatians 6:1-5
4. Be careful. Have a close relationship first. Gal. 6:1 - caught - habitual sin; Know all the facts beforehand.

A beautiful example: John 8 - "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

How to keep an eye on myself:
1. Know where I am vulnerable;
2. Give significant others permission to help me;
3. Find an accountability partner.

Correction without connection feels like accusation. First connect and care. :-)