Correction: How do You Accept it? 

Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. 
Don’t let me refuse it… —Psalm 141:5 NLT 

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… —Psalm 141:5 ESV 

Back in Africa, parents pray over their children that their heads will not refuse blessings such as progress, success, wealth, good health, etc. It’s a prayer that we all love but before our heads can receive blessings and be established, now and again we must also receive corrections. 

In today’s passage, the Psalmist says, “Let the godly strike me…” The godly can be anyone who deeply cares for another person like a parent, spouse, close friend or relative, mentor or spiritual leader to mention a few. Because these people genuinely seek one’s progress, their rebuke and correction are referred to as “kindness” and NKJV calls it, “Excellent oil”. This is because receiving it well will benefit the receiver’s life. 

So, how well do you accept corrections? 

As children, when our parents or someone older tells us off or rebukes us, it is easier to accept, maybe because of the authority they carry. We also know they have the right to do it. However, as we get older, sometimes due to how we have viewed corrections and rebukes growing up, it might be harder to accept. 

As Christians, receiving corrections gracefully and gratefully is part of maturing. God is always correcting us through His Word, through His Holy Spirit, fellow believers and ministers. Therefore, it is crucial that we take on board words of corrections seriously, reflectively and change because that is where the blessing is. 

“My son, do not despise or shrink from the chastening of the Lord [His correction by punishment or by subjection to suffering or trial]; neither be weary of or impatient about or loathe or abhor His reproof, For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11-12 (AMPC) 

“Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law,” Psalm 94:12 (ESV) 

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19 (ESV) 

Accepting rebukes and corrections well, takes humility and King David is a good example. Even as a king when Nathan the prophet approached him regarding Bathsheba and her husband – Uriah, he accepted his guilt and repented. No matter our position, we must be willing to accept corrections. 

So, I ask again, how well do you accept corrections? 

Stay blessed, 

LaraLex