January 27, 2009
-
How do we respond to our husband’s correction?
I’m revisiting this question today … “How should a godly woman respond to correction.. especially from her husband? ”
Our first natural response is to defend ourselves and attack back. Especially if we think he is wrong in his assessment. This is a sinful way to respond. Even if the correction comes as a criticism or in an ungodly way.
Our generation does not look favorable upon correction. We’re taught from society yearly on to stand up for our rights and be assertive. The flesh doesn’t need much help in this way of responding. But, scripture is clear that we are to respond favorable to correction, discipline and reproof from another. Our manner should be respectful.. especially towards our husbands.
Richard Baxter writes in The Christian Directory, “Set yourselves seriously to amend all those faults which they reprove in you. Do not take it ill to be reproved; swell not against it, as if they did you harm or wrong; it is a very ill sign to “hate reproof”,
Prov 12:1 -Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.Prov 10:17 – He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,
But he who ignores reproof goes astray.
Prov 15:31-32 - He whose ear listens to the life giving reproof
Will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself,
But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.“It is a miserable folly to desire to be flattered and soothed by any, but especially by one that is bound to be faithful to you, and whose intimacy should make you as ready to hear of your faults from him as to be acquainted with them yourselves; and especially when it concerneth the safety or benefit of your souls.”
Given the fact that we are married to sinners we must be aware by now that we won’t always receive our correction in the most godly fashion. Sometimes it may come across as criticism or seem harsh. Depending on their frame of mind at the time their sinful delivery can always be GENTLE addressed later. Still our duty is to respond biblically and in a godly matter and then to go about correcting what they have addressed (as long as it not be sin) as quickly as possible.
* Scriptures taken from NAS updated.
Comments (4)
Ouch! True though. There are also times when we may need to correct them. This too, should be done gently, and after much prayer. It is hard for me to confront others.
great post-thanks.
Interesting.
You are very right in this area (or should I say, Richard Baxter is right in this area?)
I wish this wasn’t the case but all too often it is very true! The Lord has convicted my heart over and over again about this same thing! Thanks for posting it!