John 3:20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. Sin never wants to be exposed. It was designed to keep you away from God and to shackle you in chains of shame, embarrassment and fear. Sometimes we hide our sin in hopes they never come to the surface; other times we justify them with reasonings that keep us chained to the sinful behavior. Often sinful behavior continues because we do not know any better. We live in a world that glorifies and promotes sinful behavior. We make excuses that it may not be that bad or everyone else is doing it, not realizing that the sin is keeping us from having a deep and meaningful relationship with God.

So, what do we do in these moments? Often, we can’t see our own sin clearly; and if we aren’t reading our bibles because we either cannot find the time or just feel like we don’t need to, how are we to know what is right and what is wrong? This is where the church comes in to help guide, teach and correct one another. Of the 27 books in the New Testament there are 21 letters. 21 Letters written to churches to exhort, encourage, and correct so that they may have closer relationships with God and live better lives.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
We are to hold one another accountable, teach one another, and correct one another.

How do we do this? When correcting we should do so at the leading of the Holy Spirit. We should always make sure that our attitude and motivations reflect Jesus’ lifestyle of humility and love. We should also always examine ourselves to make sure we are not being hypocrites. Gentleness and patience are imperative when approaching a brother or sister in Christ. The purpose for correction should always be to restore, promote spiritual growth, and protection of the church. The goal of correction should always be to bring our brothers and sisters back to the truth.
James 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
Correction should never be about being better or superior to one another as we are all the same at the foot of the cross. It should be about bringing your brothers and sisters back to the foot of the cross for transformation and out of their chains.

Correction is not only given but should be received. None of us are perfect and we all fall short. Each of us needs help to lead a Jesus filled life.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Try as we may we will all fall into sin, but we should not want to stay there. Correction, even when done in love can sting and if we are not careful our pride can keep us from receiving it with joy and appreciation. We should always take time to hear the correction, pray about it and ask God to reveal to us what he desires to change in us. Those that love us only want what is best for us. Correction, although possibly unpleasant, is a form of pruning that helps us be fruitful.
Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Correction can come in many different ways.
1. Reading the Bible. The bible is a mirror where the Holy Spirit will use scripture to reflect your shortcomings and areas of improvement to you. This is not a bad thing, and shame should not be felt. Find joy and pleasure in those moments as you feel the Holy Spirit correct you.
2. Attending church services, Sunday school classes and other fellowship meetings where the Bible is being taught will also help. This is where you can see different perspectives and revealings of the word. This is also where you will find the Holy Spirit yet again working in your life.
3. Your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be open to their opinions about your life. They may have already battled something you are currently at war with. They may see something in you that you cannot see. This does not mean you take each person’s opinion as gospel truth, it means you head their advice, test the spirits and pray about it. Once again you should allow the Holy Spirit and God to work in your life even if it’s through your brethren.
All correction, no matter where it comes from, should be biblical. Any other correction, especially if it does not free you from sin, is not of God.

Correction can be very tricky, but it is a necessity in our spiritual growth, in building a deeper relationship with God and in being more fruitful. As Jesus did, we should always strive to move in love for one another. All things we do should be a reflection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and should bring glory to God.

I pray each of you have the strength to correct yourselves and one another. I pray you all stay in your Bibles learning the truth and promises of God. I pray you all find the Holy Spirit guiding you and comforting you. May you all be fruitful as you break the chains of sin and live a Jesus filled life. With Love always!