“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:11, 12, 14 NIV

With as much direction and instruction as Paul gave the church in Corinth in these two letters, with as much direct language as he used and with all his pointed words, he still spoke to them in love.

We are usually good at letting people know when we are disappointed in them. When we feel the need to offer correction, we can be very good at pointing fingers and quoting chapter and verse at someone, but we lack an essential element for rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness: grace.

Yes, it is good and profitable to speak the truth to someone who has wandered from it, but if all you are is a wagging finger, a furrowed brow and an angry voice, then all they will become is defensive, resistant and angry. But if we communicate love and the desire for restoration from the beginning, if we make it obvious that we are working for complete restoration, simply because we love them in Christ, and then we offer correction and a rebuke, then our heart should shine through and the truth can be heard if they are willing to listen.

We must do everything in love, gentleness and respect. Harsh tones typically come off as self-righteousness, and leave the impression of a holier than thou personality. But calm, rational speech, pointed with love and compassion will go so much further toward bringing restoration around in their lives.

The only heart that cannot be touched by love, compassion and grace is the heart that is prideful and will not admit that it is in the wrong. The denial of the need for grace holds people back, and the love of those who are concerned for them, along with the work of the Spirit, is just about the only thing that will get through that darkness and blind-heartedness.

If people do not see Christ in us as we GoLove in His Name, and all they get is a taste of pride, vindictiveness and anger, their hearts will only be hardened further. But if we can communicate love, grace, mercy, compassion and speak the solid, uncompromising truth through it all, then that love we show will stand as the love of Christ in their life. And as much as we would like to find that switch in their head or heart that brings correction instantaneously, we must trust in God’s timing and the work of His Holy Spirit and His Word to bring restoration into their lives.

Pray and seek His glory in and through it all.
Pray that hearts would be softened and made ready for the truth.
Pray that His love is faithfully spoken and acted out through you.
Pray that their life and yours would reflect Christ Jesus.