We rejoice and give thanks to God who keeps us by his providence, we recognise that we need his help to stand. Learning from the example of David however, we are also open to the fact that there are times where we need the rebuke of others. Or to put it differently, our brothers and sisters in Christ may very well see some sins to which we are blind.
When it comes to the LORD’s guidance in our day and age, we reflect on his Word in the context of community. Left by ourselves we will interpret the Bible in ways that affirm the choices we want to make. But as a body of believers, we can ask different questions. Through Creeds and Confessions, we can learn from the conclusions of Christians in the past. Let’s not be offended therefore if a fellow believer challenges some of our decisions. We all have a long way to go when it comes to growing in godliness. Even if we’ve walked with Christ for many years, there will always be areas of our thinking and living that need to change. If we are open to that reality, it will make it easier for us to hear God’s truth when it comes.
This is not to say that we must make it our aim to point out the faults of others (cf. Matthew 7:3-5). No the focus is on preparing ourselves. My heart. My mind. I can control my thinking and my feelings, and I want to be open and thankful to those who speak truth to me in love. I know it’s never going to be what I want to hear. I don’t want to be rebuked, I don’t want my sins exposed. But that is one of the ways in which God seeks to shape and change me. As painful as it might be, as shameful as it might be, it is for my good.
21 Now David had said, “Surely in vain have I guarded all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belonged to him, and he has returned me evil for good.