Why Reprove?
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
Reprove – Paul had a Ph.D. in Jewish theology. His source for theological formation is found in the Scriptures of the Old Testament, which he knew very well. So, when it comes to “reprove,” Paul does not rely on the larger Greek cultural meanings. Those meanings include concepts like scorn, bring into contempt, expound, investigate, and shame. No, Paul sticks to a very simple application, right from the Old Testament. The Hebrew root, ykh, is used in the culture of the ancient near-east for a description of the legal proceeding that takes place at the gate of the city. There the elders sat in judgment of various claims and disputes. The parties presented evidence and the elders set the matter right. This is the idea behind the Greek word elenchos. Reproof is not just a matter of pointing out someone’s guilt or error. Reproof always seeks to set the matter right, to straighten out the situation so the repentance leads to full restoration. Reproof is an essential part of the larger educational plan of God, for each of us will require straightening in the process of becoming His image-bearers. Disciple with reproof never attacks to humiliate. It investigates and proclaims in order to redeem.
Proverbs 9:8 shows us that there are two possible reactions to reproof. The fool will scoff at the presentation of sin, but the wise man will open his heart to God’s word and humbly seek forgiveness. With this in mind, reproof is an essential characteristic of love. You do not love someone if you are unwilling to confront misaligned behaviors and attitudes. Proverbs 3:12 reminds us that God’s reproofs are a sign of His abiding love. To bear another’s burden is to take upon yourself the risk of rejection in the presentation of wounds that heal. But don’t forget that elenchos is bi-directional. Those who give reproof must also receive reproof. No one escapes the need to be corrected. And everyone is called to act as the burden-bearer of other brothers and sisters.
Today it is very uncomfortable to reprove someone. Today we focus on feelings rather than truth. What a tragic mistake we make! Reproof is not devoid of pity. It comes with compassion, but it does not bend to the wrong priorities. What is at stake is life! When I decide to let the sins of another slide, I place that person in mortal jeopardy. I might as well be kicking them while they are down. Proverbs says that the parent who will not reprove signs that child’s death warrant. This is very serious business. Yes, feelings might be hurt, but what matters most – feelings or setting right the relationship with the King?
A leader cannot escape the obligation to reprove. And a leader cannot escape reproof. Leaders are people in the middle – able and willing to bring God’s word to light when another falters, and ready and willing to receive God’s word as a pruning shears. Are you a bi-direction leader?
