Many people are familiar with the book Gone with the Wind, and even more have viewed the movie adaptation that was filmed in 1939 starring famous Hollywood actor Clark Gable. But what many people don’t realize is that the novel written by Margaret Mitchell was rejected 38 times by publishers before finally being accepted. It went on to sell 30 million copies. What if Margaret Mitchell had given up after her 38th rejection, as most of us probably would have done?
Bartimaeus, the blind man in Mark 10:46-52, faced a similar situation. He had been rebuked and rejected by the crowd—not because he had done anything wrong or because of his sin, but merely because those around him were annoyed by his presence and his clamor (Mark 10:48). They wanted him to be silent.
A distraction to the crowd, they gave him a rebuke, but not in the godly sense. Their words were pure discouragement. They were negative. Bartimaeus must have recognized the nature of their criticism, because he ignored it and continued to cry out to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” He finally attracted Jesus’ attention and received healing at the work of His hands (Mark 10:52).
Similarly, we must be able to discern between godly rebuke, which is important and life-giving to us, and ungodly discouraging words. There are times when someone is giving us hard words for our good, and we need to listen to what they’re saying (Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). But there are other times when we face discouragement or lies from Satan or from other people. During those times, we need to recognize the lies for what they are and cry out to Jesus all the louder. He loves and welcomes even when others reject us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 21:1-24
More:
Read Mark 10:35-45 for the account of the truly godly and necessary rebuke of James and John.
Next:
When have you received a godly rebuke that helped you to grow? How did you know that it reflected God’s wisdom?
Gary Shultz on September 7, 2015 at 6:42 am
In all I think this requires some godly input to discern if what is being directed our way is valid or harmful. The conscience is a resource; however, the Spirit will lead to the truth of the matter. Being in tune, in step, in fellowship, whatever it’s called leaning on God’s wisdom will give the answer and strength to move on with the situation. Thanks
Adriel L. on September 7, 2015 at 12:30 pm
Peter, thanks for the sharing. Could you share one specific time when you discerned between godly rebuke and ungodly discouraging words? How could you tell which it was?
peter chin on September 8, 2015 at 12:14 pm
That’s a great question. I think I would be tempted to say that a godly rebuke should be biblical, but the fact is that even people who want to discourage others will often use Scripture – the Enemy does that to Christ in the desert. So I think the best way to differentiate between the two is love – does that person love you? Are their words framed in a loving and affirming way, even if the substance of their comments might be difficult or even harsh? That is the way that I’ve tried to discern between godly rebuke and discouraging words, and it has helped immensely.
matt.rs on September 17, 2015 at 7:12 pm
I read this almost two weeks after it was published and oh how amazing it your word O Lord, it strengthens me when I feel weak, and it encourages me when I feel negative words from family and friends who advise me to quit. Thank you Lord.