“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.” Proverbs 25:11-12

Lord God, I’m not perfect. I know that. I easily and freely admit that from the quiet of my own heart, from the secret of my mind. But when I’m confronted with sin and someone comes with a rebuke I don’t receive it as easily. I’m quick to make excuses, pass the blame, or even deny that I did it. I don’t like to be confronted or rebuked. Lord Jesus, I know that it is simply pride that keeps me from being honest about my sin. Forgive me for my pride and humble my heart to hear the rebuke that others bring. Soften my heart to listen with an open heart and open my ears to listen to what they have to say. Lead me to repent of my sin and then give me rest in the forgiveness of sin. I can confess and come clean about any sin because every sin is forgiven by you. Wash me clean with your blood and help me to stand to live in this world as your child. Amen.

We can listen to any rebuke with the confidence that we are and will be forgiven. We can rise up, then, in the forgiveness of sins to a new life.