Godly Correction
1 Samuel 19:4 Johnathan knows that Saul is wrong for wanting David dead and corrects him in a godly manner. He is an example of how we need to address each other when we transgress.
12/23/20251 min read
Thus, Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, “Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you. 1 Samuel 19:4 (NKJV)
Saul tells his servants and Jonathan that they need to kill David. Jonathan warns David of his father's intent, then goes and talks to Saul. He asks Saul not to sin against David, because had not sinned against him, but had always done good things for him. Jonathan also reminds Saul of the good that David has done so his anger toward him was unwarranted. Saul heeds Jonathans advice and recants his order to kill David. Jonathan used Godly correction to change Sauls mind.
Galatians 6:1 talks about Godly correction. It says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." So how do you restore them gently? First, you have to understand that the person is caught in a sin, not deliberately sinning. This is a moment of weakness rather than a moment of rebellion. Next, you need to approach them "gently", which means to convey a sense of care and compassion. This is about helping the person back onto the right path without judgment or superiority. Also, you need to understand that the restoration process can be a temptation for you as well. This is a reminder to maintain humility and depend on God's strength. Always remember to pray. Pray before approaching the person for God to give you the right words, pray for your own strength to resist temptation, and pray with the person you are going to for correction.
Choose to be like Jonathan when someone sins against you or is going in the wrong direction. Don't let Satan control your thoughts and approach the person publicly, in anger and focusing on the negatives. Instead, approach the person privately, in God's love, letting them know you care about them. When you let God do the correction, you both will have spiritual maturity, righteousness, and a closer walk with God.