Open Rebuke Is Better Than Secret Love

“Open rebuke is better than secret love.” — Proverbs 27:5 KJV

If you’re in Christ, God’s love is in you. And that means you’re born of love. This love is so powerful that it constrains you not to hate another person (2 Corinthians 5:14). However, sometimes, we love in secrecy without expressing it openly.

In 1 John 3:18, it’s written that believers in Christ are to love one another in deed and in truth, not in word. That implies that if you claim to love another person, don’t just say, “I love you.” Act as you mean it. And this doesn’t always have to be about enticing words. It also requires intense correction when necessary.

Solomon, who loved many women, said in Proverbs 27:5 that “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” He knew that love isn’t only about nice words of affirmation, gifts, financial provision, non-sexual physical touch and non-stop sex, but also about intense open rebuke when necessary.

Offences will come between people who dwell in love. And when it’s one-time, it can and should be forgiven and overlooked with a conscious decision. Nevertheless, when such an act becomes repetitive, it doesn’t only require forgiveness but also open rebuke. Why? Because if that person doesn’t get confronted with his fault, he will keep doing it and think nothing is wrong with his attitude.

We all have character flaws, weaknesses and shortcomings. But as people who dwell in love for one another just as Jesus commanded us (John 13:35), we must be bold enough to rebuke offenders openly. That doesn’t mean we should call out the offender before multitudes to correct the person. No. When you’re offended, Jesus taught in the Word that you should and tell that person his fault. If he doesn’t accept it, include others too (Matthew 18:15-16).

Forgiveness is significant, but open rebuke is necessary for permanent attitudinal change. Some people won’t change their wrong character if they don’t get rebuked for consistent wrongdoing. So speak the truth in love. Do it as a way of helping that person to change to be more Christ-like, not to vent your anger on him. The former will end up glorifying God, but the latter merely displays selfishness. Walk in love with one another.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

Oh God, thank you for revealing in Your Word that open rebuke is better than secret love. Give me the boldness to speak the truth in love when I see consistent wrongdoing of the same act; so that unforgiveness won’t take root in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 337