Read Psalm 141

“Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it...” (Psalm 141:5)

We live in the most easily offended culture in human history.

You flick a man and he bleeds to death. You hold a conviction and someone’s universe collapses. With the ascent of moral relativism in society, be sure that “irrational sensitivity” will emerge as its heir. We’re watching it unfold even now.

But what place does “moral relativism” and “irrational sensitivity” have among the people of God? None whatsoever!

As the church, we are called to hold each accountable; to expose the darkness; to call out sin; and give no place for the devil!

If a man's house were ablaze in the depths of night, should we concern ourselves with his emotional state when rousing him from sleep? Forbid it! What is the greater offense — to wake him or let him die? Every one of us would pound the door, break a window, and if by any offensive means necessary, rip the man from his bed in order to save his life. And what kind of fool would we call that man if he became embittered over his loss of sleep?

Beloved, it’s better to strike a man to save him, than to leave him alone to die!

Consider the words of Jude:

“but [some] save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 23)

Reflect on our Lord Jesus Christ. Did He fret over Peter’s emotions when He barked those piercing words: “Get behind Me, Satan!”? Think of the money changers that Christ drove out of the temple with a whip? I dare say that if Christ had been concerned about people's emotions, He would not have accomplished any work of God or even uttered a single word! Or what of Paul who withstood Peter to his face for hypocrisy? (see Galatians 2:11-13)

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:5)

Are we not commanded to build one another up in the faith? But tell me, what man can build a structure without the act of cutting, nailing, and pounding? So, too, we must allow some cutting, nailing, and pounding come over us if we are to be built up.

Beloved, if a brother in the faith rebukes you sharply, do not despise him. It is kindness! Let his chastising words fall upon you like excellent oil and do not refuse it. Be thankful to be wounded by a friend, than left alone in your sin.

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6)

“Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.” (Proverbs 27:5)