A Lesson In Correction
Today's post is based on Genesis chapter 16. This is the story of Sarai's maid, Hagar.
It was about 10 years after God promised Abram a child of his own to inherit his wealth. By this time, Sarai so desperately wanted a baby that she asked Abram to let Hagar be the carrier of their child. Abram agreed, had intercourse with Hagar and she got pregnant.
...But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.
Gen. 16:4 NLT
I imagine she was gloating about her ability to conceive and being disrespectful and hateful to Sarai. The taunting got so bad that Sarai went to complain to Abram who remind her that Hagar is her maid and she needs to deal with it. Sarai then went back to Hagar and had a little chat. The Amplified Bible says Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar, humbling and afflicting her. Because of this, Hagar ran away.
The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar in the wilderness by a spring of water and questions her. He addresses Hagar as the maid of Sarai and asks what she is doing out there. When Hagar tells Him that she is running away, the Angel of the Lord tells her not only to go back but to go back and obey her mistress.
There are several things I want you to look at starting with how God addresses Hagar. He calls her "the maid of Sarai." It is a gentle reminder of what her role is. It seems strange to say it but God's plan for Hagar's life was to be the maid of Sarai.
Next look at how God does not bring up Hagar's bad behavior or attitude toward Sarai. He did not tell her she got what she deserved or anything else like that. Neither does He mention Sarai's harsh treatment of her maid. He simply reminds Hagar of where she belongs and what she is supposed to be doing. She is Sarai's maid and she is supposed to obey her mistress.
This really strikes a cord in me because I have not learned how to correct someone this gently with such effectiveness. I think most of us want to point out to the person all the things they did wrong that justify their mistreatment. God is not like that. He is all mercy. No condemnation, no ridicule, no sarcasm. This is a beautiful example of God's great love and compassion. He understands us. He loves us. He corrects us.
We also tend to get judgmental in these kind of situations and take sides. God didn't.
Most of us are not able to bring correction without reminding the other person of their faults. This story shows us how to bring correction without condemnation. It is possible to correct with love without belittling.
Take some time to reflect on God's graciousness when you mess up and get off track. Then act the same towards others.
Heidirn
It was about 10 years after God promised Abram a child of his own to inherit his wealth. By this time, Sarai so desperately wanted a baby that she asked Abram to let Hagar be the carrier of their child. Abram agreed, had intercourse with Hagar and she got pregnant.
...But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.
Gen. 16:4 NLT
I imagine she was gloating about her ability to conceive and being disrespectful and hateful to Sarai. The taunting got so bad that Sarai went to complain to Abram who remind her that Hagar is her maid and she needs to deal with it. Sarai then went back to Hagar and had a little chat. The Amplified Bible says Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar, humbling and afflicting her. Because of this, Hagar ran away.
The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar in the wilderness by a spring of water and questions her. He addresses Hagar as the maid of Sarai and asks what she is doing out there. When Hagar tells Him that she is running away, the Angel of the Lord tells her not only to go back but to go back and obey her mistress.
There are several things I want you to look at starting with how God addresses Hagar. He calls her "the maid of Sarai." It is a gentle reminder of what her role is. It seems strange to say it but God's plan for Hagar's life was to be the maid of Sarai.
Next look at how God does not bring up Hagar's bad behavior or attitude toward Sarai. He did not tell her she got what she deserved or anything else like that. Neither does He mention Sarai's harsh treatment of her maid. He simply reminds Hagar of where she belongs and what she is supposed to be doing. She is Sarai's maid and she is supposed to obey her mistress.
This really strikes a cord in me because I have not learned how to correct someone this gently with such effectiveness. I think most of us want to point out to the person all the things they did wrong that justify their mistreatment. God is not like that. He is all mercy. No condemnation, no ridicule, no sarcasm. This is a beautiful example of God's great love and compassion. He understands us. He loves us. He corrects us.
We also tend to get judgmental in these kind of situations and take sides. God didn't.
Most of us are not able to bring correction without reminding the other person of their faults. This story shows us how to bring correction without condemnation. It is possible to correct with love without belittling.
Take some time to reflect on God's graciousness when you mess up and get off track. Then act the same towards others.
Heidirn
Comments
Post a Comment