Proverbs 9:8-rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
To love those who rebuke you, regardless of how they do it, or even if they are right, means you live with the presupposition that cultivation of humility is a great gift from the lord, and a large part of him making us into his likeness.
When we get hung up on which parts of the rebuke were "right" or "wrong", or lost in analysis of exactly how they did it and why (assigning motive is dangerous and ultimately unknowable to man- 1 Kings 8:39) we miss the simple gift that a rebuke is able to be received as a gift in any form, depending on ones perspective of oneself.
Pride is what makes a rebuke un- receivable. Growing humility and gospel stability give grounds for reception without the need for self protection and absolutism (it's either entirely right or wrong, and I can only accept any or all if it, if it's entirely right)
When self defense is our mode of operation, pride is alive an well, because we only defend what we love most. But with the gospel, which scripture calls our only true defense and hope, we are set free to receive and respond in love, with Christ in his rightful place in our hearts, our justifier, defender, and fulfiller of our deepest longings. We can be thankful, because a rebuke reminds us of our utter dependence on God for all things, and serves as a check for our ever resilient pride that lives to fight another day.
I struggle profoundly to live in what I just wrote. Regardless, I believe it is true. Lord have mercy on me, that I receive all rebuke as an invitation to examine my own heart and allow the gospel to cultivate new humility in me, and have grace for myself and others, as we give the gift of rebuke.
Proverbs 27:5 Better is open rebuke, than hidden love.
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