Both important. Just like we can’t always live in the rarefied mountaintops, we can’t continually live in the valleys (and stop seeing valleys as negative, stressful, unforgiving). We live on both, separately, and both are important to our growth. Both provide learnings and insights into living our lives.
We all need encouragement, and typically those whose opinion’s we value the most weigh the heaviest. Encouragement is a one of the best incentives available to propel us onward and upward. Scripture does recognize our need for encouragement… there are over 20 verses that speak to this.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1Corinthians 10:13)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
(Ephesians 6:19)“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
These are my verses that I try to remember when I am in those situations that I need encouraging… we all need verses that we can bring to mind when we are in these times. They become a foundation to stand on, especially when there aren’t others around us to cheer us on.
Just like encouragement, we all face those times of correction. Correction really shouldn’t be considered as a negative. It’s a method, a way to help us stay or return to our journey, on our path. Correction should help us see and understand why what we did or said was not what we should have done and what we can do in the future so that we are helpful and not harmful.
“Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.” (Proverbs 23:13)
“Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)
“…preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” (2Timothy 4:2)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” (2Timothy 3:16)
“Correct me, O LORD, but with justice; Not with Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.” (Jeremiah 10:24)
“For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6)
All these verses point to the positive nature of correction, it rarely is punishment. We need to understand the purpose of correction – to help us to understand and grow, to get us on the right path. 2 Timothy 3 has always been an important verse to define and understand correction and then Hebrews 2. Actually… I believe that everything the Lord does with, for, to us is for us to become our best… and to live the abundant life.
