Correction That Brings Us Closer
When the heart is aligned, the road runs straight
Devotional Credit
Discipline and Correction, a sermon on Proverbs 15, Kristen Schildroth, Wakefield First Church of the Nazarene
Photo Credit
Unsplash
Growing up, correction never seemed kind. Most of us argued, compared punishments with our siblings, and insisted it was unfair. Pastor Kristen Schildroth names what time has taught us. Loving correction guards us from greater harm and points us toward life. In the same way, the Lord’s discipline is not payback. It is protection and rescue.
Pastor Kristen also puts a finger on why we sometimes dodge His correction. Shame makes us hide, and pride keeps us from admitting wrong. We defend ourselves, or pretend nothing happened, and the heart hardens. Scripture calls that folly. Wisdom listens, because listening reveals good judgment and maturity. Thank you, Pastor Kristen, for saying this plainly and kindly.
The sermon keeps bringing us back to relationship. Jesus corrects those He loves. He shows us the ugliness of sin, not to crush us, but to reveal the beauty of righteousness that will be ours as we walk with Him. When correction is truly from the Holy Spirit, it carries life. It does not control or belittle. It rebuilds.
There is real freedom here. Owning our missteps removes the sting. We can make things right without sinking into shame. Pride loosens its grip. Friendships grow. Workplaces smooth out. And under it all, the Spirit keeps our feet on the path of life. Correction does not push us away from Jesus. It ushers us nearer.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I correct those I love. Do not despise My discipline or grow weary when I reprove you, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and chastens every son whom He receives. If you are without My correction, you would have no share in My fatherly care, but you are sons and daughters, and I am treating you as My own.
Listen to instruction and you will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores reproof despises his own soul, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. The ear that listens to life giving reproof will abide among the wise. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. A scoffer does not love the one who reproves him, but the humble receive knowledge.
I have united you with Jesus. You were crucified with Him, and you live by faith in the Son of God. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Present your body to God as one alive from the dead. Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. If you confess your sins, I am faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Godly sorrow produces a change of mind that leads to life without regret.
Let the word of the Messiah dwell in you richly. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. I give grace to the humble, and I oppose the proud. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and I will lift you up. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and turn toward Me. I work in you to will and to do for My good pleasure, and I finish what I start.
Scripture references: Proverbs 15:5, Proverbs 15:10 to 12, Proverbs 15:31 to 33, Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 13:18, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 3:11 to 12, Hebrews 12:5 to 11, Revelation 3:19, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11 to 13, Romans 8:1 to 4, Galatians 5:16 to 25, 1 John 1:9, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Colossians 3:16, James 1:19 to 21, James 4:6 to 10, 1 Peter 5:6 to 7, Philippians 2:12 to 13, Philippians 1:6.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of getting your car aligned after it has started to pull to one side. You can wrestle the wheel all day and arrive exhausted, or you can let the technician adjust what is out of line. Once the alignment is set, the car tracks straight with far less effort. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit who lives in you brings the life of Jesus to bear on your inner alignment. He straightens what pride and hurry have bent, so love and honesty move freely again. Your part is not muscling the wheel harder. Your part is consenting to the adjustment.
A simple practice for today. When a correction lands on your doorstep at home or work, pause before you defend yourself. Say, Lord, I receive Your adjustment here, set my heart straight and speak through me as I make this right. Then own what is yours without excuses, offer one concrete step to repair the issue, and walk in the peace that follows humility.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that Your correction is love in action. Thank You that in Jesus I am Yours, forgiven, and alive to God. I agree with Your wisdom. I welcome Your gentle adjustments in my words, my plans, and my reactions today. I rest in Your faithful work within me, and I rejoice that honor follows humility in Your kingdom. Amen.