Correction – A Love Story

In this insightful Bible teaching, Matthew Vander Els from Founded In Truth Fellowship addresses a topic often met with apprehension: correction. He proposes reframing our understanding of correction, suggesting that it should be viewed not as an attack, but as an act of love, hence the title “Correction: A Love Story.” Vander Els begins by acknowledging the typical human reaction to being corrected, which is often to become defensive, to “hunker down,” and to perceive the person offering correction as an adversary, even if they were previously considered a friend.

This defensive posture, according to the teaching, arises from pride, a “little ity bitty thing” that resides within us. When we are corrected, it irritates this pride because it implies that we are wrong. Being wrong can trigger various negative feelings, such as feeling stupid or having our honor challenged. Drawing on the cultural context of the first century, Vander Els explains that honor was considered a limited resource, and individuals were responsible for maintaining their reputation publicly. Public correction in that era could be seen as an attempt to diminish someone’s honor, leading to “honor-shame battles” in social circles. The Pharisees’ public confrontations with Yeshua were cited as examples of attempts to shame him.

However, the teaching emphasizes that in the context of faith, our pride, honor, and shame should not be the primary concern. Yeshua took on shame and was resurrected, offering a new perspective where defending one’s own honor becomes less significant. This concept extends to modern life, particularly in online interactions. Social media platforms, like Facebook, can inadvertently become arenas for honor battles, where disagreements escalate, and the “like” button functions as a public rating of who is “winning” the argument.

The discomfort associated with correction stems from a deep-seated feeling that our honor might be diminished or that we might be shamed. We generally dislike being wrong, especially when it comes to personal failings or “sins kept in the closet.” Yet, Matthew Vander Els argues that God often uses correction, through leaders and peers, to break down our pride and strengthen us. Even from a young age, receiving correction is challenging.

The teaching highlights Yeshua’s example of being falsely accused and not defending himself vehemently, suggesting that we should not be overly concerned with others taking away our honor or reputation before God. Instead, when criticism or correction comes our way, the most important question to ask is: “Is it true?” The manner in which the correction is presented or the person presenting it is secondary to the validity of the critique. Matthew Vander Els humorously likens receiving correction to getting a “free checkup” from a doctor. Even if the “doctor” (the person offering correction) is not particularly pleasant, the feedback might reveal a genuine “symptom” that needs addressing.

Humans naturally gravitate towards like-minded individuals, creating “powerful circles of agreement.” While agreement fosters peace and validation, correction can disrupt these comfortable groups, which is another reason why it can be unwelcome. However, for genuine growth, we must be open to hearing when we might be wrong, even if it means stepping outside our immediate comfort zone.

Biblical examples illustrate different responses to correction. Peter, despite his passion and impulsiveness, ultimately demonstrated humility and growth after being rebuked by Yeshua. His journey shows a progression from being called “Satan” for hindering Yeshua’s mission to later urging others to “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.” This suggests that accepting correction can lead to spiritual maturity and exaltation. Matthew Vander Els uses the analogy of “leveling up” in video games, where overcoming challenges (often through recognizing and correcting mistakes) allows one to progress and receive new blessings.

In stark contrast, the response of Judas to a gentle correction from Yeshua regarding the anointing of expensive ointment reveals the danger of rejecting feedback. Instead of considering the validity of the implied critique, Judas’s resentment led him to betray Yeshua. This contrast highlights the critical choice we face when confronted with correction: will we respond like Peter, embracing it as a potential catalyst for growth, or like Judas, allowing offense to lead us astray?

Drawing from Hebrews 3:12-13, the teaching emphasizes the role of the Christian community in exhorting one another daily to prevent being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Correction, in this context, is an act of love and care, “keeping an eye out for each other” to ensure everyone is walking according to the standards of faith. It is about helping fellow believers recognize their shortcomings and move towards righteousness.

Psalm 141:5 is presented as a powerful perspective on receiving correction: “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it.” This verse encourages believers to view even potentially harsh correction from righteous individuals as an act of kindness and something beneficial to embrace. While acknowledging that not all correction is valid or well-intentioned, the underlying principle is to be receptive to feedback that can lead to spiritual growth.

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The teaching provides practical guidance on how to receive correction:

• Do not be offended. Even if the delivery is imperfect or the correction seems inaccurate, try to remain open to the possibility of truth.
• Ask for details. Seek specific examples and explanations to understand the concern fully. This can help validate the correction or reveal its lack of foundation.
• Recognize the common pitfalls of resistance (denial, defensiveness) and despair (condemnation, shame) when receiving correction. Neither of these reactions is conducive to growth.
• Understand that correction is about sanctification, not justification. It is about growing in godliness and becoming more like Yeshua, not about earning God’s favor.

Furthermore, the teaching offers principles on how to give correction:

• Look at your own heart first. Ensure your motives are pure and rooted in love and concern for the other person’s spiritual well-being, rather than personal offense or pride.
• Don’t be a chicken. If the correction is necessary for someone’s spiritual integrity, overcome the fear of their reaction.
• Bring observations and questions, not judgments and conclusions. Recognize that you do not know the full story or the intentions of someone’s heart. Approach with humility and a desire to understand.
• Be patient. Change takes time. Offer ongoing support and encouragement.
• Follow the guidelines for private and public correction outlined in Matthew 18. Address personal offenses privately first. Public correction is reserved for issues affecting the entire body.
• Ensure your heart in giving correction is not driven by personal offense but by a genuine concern for the individual’s walk with Messiah.

Application for Everyday Life

• When you receive criticism, take a moment to evaluate its truthfulness before reacting defensively.
• Practice humility and recognize that everyone, including yourself, makes mistakes and has areas for improvement.
• When you feel the urge to correct someone, first examine your own motivations.
• Approach correction with gentleness and a spirit of restoration.
• Be willing to ask for clarification when someone offers you correction.
• Extend patience and grace both when receiving and giving correction.
• Remember that God uses correction as an act of love to mold you into the likeness of Yeshua.