Rebuke from a friend is actually a form of love. Though painful at the moment, rebuke is profitable in the long run. When rebuke comes from a friend, you can trust the source. You know the person has your best interests in mind. Accepting rebuke is one thing, giving rebuke another. Both are needed to make friendship thrive.

Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a ...

Topics:	Accountability, Christian life, Conflict, Confrontation, Rebuke, Relationships, Sin, Spiritual friendship
Filters:	Counseling, Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Mentoring, Pastor, Preaching
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Proverbs 15:21-33, Proverbs 27:5-9, Proverbs 27:17
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11

In a yard two blocks from my house the trees are dying. For some time my wife and I, on our neighborhood walks, have noticed something wrong—fewer leaves on branches, peeling bark, a greenish white discoloration here and there. Two years ago it began with a large maple. Then the sickness spread ...

Topics:	Attitudes, Enthusiasm, Judging others, Leadership, Rebuke, Relationships, Spiritual leadership
Filters:	Christian education, Discipleship, Management, Pastor, Service, Small group leader, Spiritual director, Volunteer
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	John 15:11, 2 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Galatians 5:22-23
Date Added:	July 01, 2007

Here is how we deal with a few different scenarios:

• We do some proactive teaching, offering seminars and courses on parenting. "Bringing up Boys" is one of our most popular options.
  
  
• It takes only one or two rebellious children to overwhelm a class and discourage volunteer teachers. When a child exhibits unruly behavior, our Children or Youth Ministry staff members approach parents about what they're seeing. They ask if this behavior is also happening at school or home. The staff listens to, coaches, and prays with the parents. Often they find parents to be run-down, weary, and giving in to their children.