Correction Does Not Equal Rejection

In the writing world, it’s the editor’s job to ask for revisions before a post goes to publication. I know this, yet deep down, I can’t help but feel a little rejected when I’m asked to make too many corrections. In fact, I’m super happy when the editor’s response is, “This looks great, Jennifer!”

I suppose most of us feel this way, not only in our jobs, but in life. We like to think we are doing everything right. We want to believe we are on the right track. And when we are corrected, in any way, we often take it as a sign of rejection.

But sisters, I want to encourage you to shift your perspective regarding correction. I want you to begin viewing it as a chance to grow and mature in your faith. Instead of feeling insecure about it, I encourage you to allow it to strengthen you.

Instead of feeling broken by correction, be strengthened by it. — Image source: Pixabay

As I spend some time in the book of Hebrews this morning, I am reminded of God’s loving correction, which does not feel good at the moment, but always produces righteousness in the end. Read carefully…

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Hebrews 12:5-11

Could it be that loving correction trains us?

Just as we train our children in the ways of the Lord, so He trains us by making correction marks when needed. He points things out to us by the gentle whisper of His Spirit. Sometimes, He firmly reminds us that we better stop and reevaluate things. But above all, He lovingly corrects us for our good.

Could it be that loving correction makes us holy?

When Jesus said, “Be holy as I am holy,” He knew we could not attain holiness without a measure of discipline. If left to our own ways, we would surely wander further and further away from what is good. After all, the flesh wants what is contrary to the Spirit. (Galatians 5:17)

Could it be that loving correction yields peace?

When we are undisciplined in faith and life, what usually results is chaos. Yet, when we are corrected, and things are brought into order, there is a deep sense of peace and assurance.

God's correction brings order and a sense of peace. — Image source: Pixabay

Dear ones, how are you sensing the Lord’s correction today? Have you been “burned” by people’s unloving correction, so that you regard ALL discipline as a sign of rejection?

If so, I encourage you to spend some time this week asking God to reveal any area of your life that needs a Father’s loving correction. Pray hard for the Lord to show you things that aren’t in alignment with His will for your life. He may reveal…

You are clinging to a harmful habit.

Let God pry your fingers away once and for all! (Proverbs 28:13)

You are justifying something that is contrary to God’s Word.

Stand on His truth without apology! (Deuteronomy 13:4)

You have made mistakes for which you need to repent.

Repent and be forgiven! (1 John 1:9)

You have veered from the narrow path in favor of the ease of the wide road.

Get back in step with the Holy Spirit! (Galatians 5:16-26)

In what areas of life do you need a father's loving correction? — Image source: Pixabay

The next time you feel rejected by correction, stop and ask for wisdom. It may be God is trying to produce the fruit of righteousness in you, and you simply need to yield.

For me, the next time an editor replies with things I need to change, I’m going to remember that her suggested edits aren’t rejections, but milestones of growth and strength.

Please know I am grateful to be on this journey with all of you. Together, we can seek the will of God and strengthen one another in the faith!