Sermon-Follow Up Thought: Rebuking and Loving

This past Sunday I talked about Exodus 18:1-27 in Karis Church. We looked at the humility we need as followers of Jesus. We must be humble learners and humble leaders. I don't think the passage is just a leadership lesson on delegation. I think it's much more than that. Jethro approaches Moses and says, in verse 14, "What is this that you are doing for the people?" Then, in verse 17, he tells his son-in-law, “What you are doing is not good." We should, like Moses, let others observe our lives and speak into our lives. We should then, more times than not, do what they say.

After every sermon, a preacher always walks away thinking of things he should have said. Sometimes you just reflect on the passage more, and more key things come to mind. Every week, you have to cut out so much. Editing is the hardest part of preparing a sermon. I already frequently go over 45 minutes. I just can't fit it all in! It can drive you crazy.

When your brother and sister approaches you and challenges what you’re doing, that can be, if done with the right heart and manner, a wonderful act of love.

What I wish I would have emphasized more last week is this: when your brother and sister approaches you and challenges what you're doing, that can be, if done with the right heart and manner, a wonderful act of love. In today's world, love equals affirmation. You don't question what others are doing. That's not a loving act, most people say. However, that's not the biblical understanding of love. Love speaks the truth (Eph. 4:15). It must. Sure, it must be done in a loving way. But rebuking someone is often the most loving thing you could do for them. Jethro saw Moses hurting himself and not loving others well. He called him out on it. Moses listened, and it turned out well for him. That's love, friends.