2 Timothy 4:1-2

2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,.... preach the word; be ready....reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Do you know that it is our obligation to do the above? As part of the priesthood (See 1 Peter 2:4-9), we are called to preach the word, be ready, reprove, rebuke and exhort with patience. We are also called to teach as we reprove, rebuke and exhort.

Reprove is a verb –(used with object) per Dictionary.com

1. to criticize or correct, esp. gently: to reprove a pupil for making a mistake.

2. to disapprove of strongly; censure: to reprove a bad decision.

Rebuke is also a verb - (used with object)

1. to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

Exhort means to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.

As part of the Royal Priesthood we are to correct, reprimand, advise and admonish others, especially Christians in my opinion. After all Christians are supposed to be reflections of Christ so when we are not acting like a reflection of Christ, we should be admonished. so someone has to admonish, rebuke, reprimand, advise, etc us for the sake of Christ, so that others who look to us to be Christ-like (because we profess we are Christians) can see glimpses of Christ in us.

This is a two-part challenge. We are to admonish others (with patience) and we are to be admonished by others (with patience). Neither is easy. None of us likes to be criticized. Few of us wants to criticize others (at least not face to face). However, we are CALLED to do just that.

So....bring it on......and accept it from me when I try it with you.

Help us all, Jesus. Amen.

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