No one likes to hear that they are wrong. It's a character of human nature called Pride that makes us always want to be right. But, another quality of humanity is mistakes. We all make them, and there will be times when someone will point them out.
Pride responds to rebukes by anger, arguments, disbelief, and rebuttal. But, these are not how a Christian should respond.
Proverbs 29:1- He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
A rebuke or a reproof is meant to point out what you are doing wrong so that you can fix it. The Bible warns that destruction can come if we ignore reproofs.
Proverbs 9:8- Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
When we receive a rebuke we are wise. We can correct our errors and be the better for them.
So how do we receive a rebuke?
First, we should listen to the entire reproof without arguing back.
Proverbs 13:1- A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
You can't know where you are going wrong unless you hear the person out. It's possible they see something that you don't. It's presumable that there is something going on that's bothering this person. Wouldn't it be best to find out what it is?
Secondly, thank the person for their insight.
Hebrews 12:5-6- And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whome the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
You must understand that the reason someone is pointing this out to you is because they care about you. And it's probably difficult for them to come to you about this.
Thirdly, you have now two choices. Realize they are right and correct it, or search out the matter to see what Christ would have you do.
Proverbs 15:31-32- The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Now that you know there is a problem you can search it out. Were you doing something wrong? Was there a misunderstanding? What can you learn from this?
However, you need to pray and ask God if he's trying to teach you something. It's possible there's an area that needs improved. Maybe God is letting you know how much someone cares. Or, perhaps He's giving you an idea of how it feels to be rebuked so He can use you to rebuke someone in the future.
Receiving a rebuke is not an easy thing, but it's something we will all face multiple times in this life. We can either learn and grow or stagnate and become a poison to ourselves and those around us.
I know plenty of people who dismissed a rebuke. Did what they wanted. And, are now paying a heavy price for it.
Proverbs 2:10-12- When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preseve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
Proverbs 7:4-5- Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with he words.
A rebuke brings wisdom that can keep you from evil men and women if you listen, search it out, and find what it is God is trying to teach you.
