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1 Corinthians 4:14-17
The Apostle Paul has been somewhat harsh with the “saints” in the church at Corinth. But he now mentions that he is giving them corrective instruction as they are viewed by him as his children. He has led most of these people to Christ Jesus through his teaching of the gospel to them. He has a desire to see them succeed as Christians, but they have not realized what it is to be a Christian. He pleads with them to imitate him in their Christian walk as he promises to send a guide (Timothy) who will remind them of the things that Paul first taught them about being a child of God through their salvation in Christ Jesus.
This is a promise that corrective criticism is necessary in our Christian walk with Jesus.
I would tend to think and would beg the question that none of us got it right as we began our new life in Christ Jesus. We have all made mistakes along the way. For most of us, we probably have made more mistakes than we would like to admit. But Jesus promised in John 14:15-18 NKJV, “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Jesus taught His disciples and was with them throughout His earthly physical ministry. His Apostles then taught those who were part of the early Christian Church and they were with them each day leading them in the ways of the gospel. Jesus is with us today through His Holy Spirit whom He has promised to each one who will make Him their Lord and Savior; He lives within us through His Holy Spirit and will teach us and correct us in the ways of righteousness.
Dear LORD,
We make mistakes. But You give us corrective criticism through the working of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. You teach us and help us to grow in our new life as Christians. You are the way, the truth, and the life that through our salvation in Christ Jesus leads us to You for eternity in Your glory. Thank You LORD for being patient and continuing to love us through it all. We love You LORD and give You our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.