Topical Bible: Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger

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Reproof, a form of correction or admonishment, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often seen as a necessary tool for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. When reproof comes from God, it is an expression of His love and desire for His people to walk in righteousness. However, Scripture also acknowledges the gravity of divine reproof when it is delivered in anger, urging believers to seek God's correction with a humble and contrite heart, praying that it not be in anger.

Divine Reproof as an Expression of Love

God's reproof is fundamentally an act of love, intended to guide His people back to the path of righteousness. Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." This passage highlights the paternal nature of God's correction, emphasizing that divine reproof is not punitive but restorative.

The Seriousness of Reproof in Anger

While God's reproof is inherently loving, Scripture warns of the severity when it is delivered in anger. Psalm 6:1 pleads, "O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath." This verse reflects the psalmist's understanding of the potential intensity of God's anger and the desire to experience His correction in a spirit of mercy rather than wrath.

Praying for Reproof Without Anger

Believers are encouraged to approach God with humility, seeking His correction while praying that it be administered without anger. This attitude is rooted in a recognition of human frailty and the need for divine grace. Habakkuk 3:2 captures this sentiment: "LORD, I have heard the report of You; I stand in awe of Your deeds. Revive Your work in our days; in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."

The Role of Repentance and Humility

Repentance and humility are crucial in receiving God's reproof without anger. Isaiah 57:15 declares, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" This verse underscores the importance of a contrite heart in inviting God's merciful correction.

Conclusion

In summary, divine reproof is a vital aspect of the believer's spiritual journey, serving as a means of correction and growth. While God's reproof is an expression of His love, Scripture encourages believers to pray that it be not in anger, emphasizing the importance of humility, repentance, and a contrite heart in receiving His correction.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 6:1
O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Admonition and Repentance.
... If in envy thou rebukest, wicked is all thy reproof. ... Leave off rage and then pray;
and unless thou wouldst ... of the Creator; honour the image of God, by being in ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

Petilianus Said: "For Neither Has the Lord God at any Time ...
... of the king is in the hand of God, whereby he ... himself enacted many laws for your
correction and reproof, yet no ... sin"; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out ...
/.../chapter 87 190 petilianus.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... and personal benefit, to national and personal reproof, or, in ... nations do so that
will not submit to ... You that are living without God, pray what prospect have ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

Gethsemane
... Such conformity of our wills with God's is the ... the betrayer's token, the disciples'
resistance, the reproof of the ... Only they who pray as Jesus did beneath the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gethsemane.htm

Against those who Think that what is Just is not Good.
... desire us to take revenge, who teaches us "to pray for those ... 1199] For the aim of
mercy and of reproof is the ... So that it is veritably clear that the God of all ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii against those who think.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... to be produced, or frames which we are to pray ourselves into ... children of God; for,
as if to prevent this, God thus speaks ... "Turn ye at my reproof;" showing us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... repent of it; and amend your ways and pray for your ... under their care in the fear
of God, in such ... them of their just rights, and therefore reproof only makes ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

On the Feast of St Timothy, or the Memorial of St Peter
... repent of it; and amend your ways and pray for your ... under their care in the fear
of God, in such ... them of their just rights; and therefore reproof only makes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xii on the feast.htm

The Duty of Reproving Our Neighbour
... a man when he is intoxicated with drink." Reproof, it is ... am wrong, " I know I am
wrong, " pray let me ... beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, do not ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 65 the duty of.htm

The Cure of Evil-Speaking
... The success of a reproof greatly depends on the spirit ... good be done by what is now
spoken, God doeth it ... Pray that he would guard thy heart, enlighten thy mind ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 49 the cure of.htm