How to Receive the Word

Brethren often emphasize the importance of the way we ought to present the Word of God—that we should
speak the truth in love, which is a valid concern. But let’s invert that principle for the moment and speak about the way
we should all receive Truth. First of all, when Solomon wrote, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it…” (Pr. 23:23), he did not
say, “Buy it only if it is pleasing to you,” or, “Buy it only if you like the way the message was delivered.” Along these
lines, Solomon also advised: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pr. 27:6).
What someone says may cause hurt, but we should not let that stand in the way of considering the truth of the comments.

In the 2014 book from the Schertz lectures, Studies in the Minor Prophets, Mel Hutzler addressed this issue,
saying that “we should not blame the messenger for his negative message.” He points out that many will tend to think
his words are not true. We should not take offense or consider ourselves “slain by the preacher’s words. The moral of
the story is threefold:”

1) if we are slain by the preacher’s words, the best reaction is to examine ourselves and those words.

2) we must determine whether or not the preacher has correctly interpreted and presented God’s
Word; and

3) we must determine whether or not we are guilty of the sin that is being addressed.

If the preacher’s lesson applies to us, that is, if the preacher’s assessment of our condition is on target,
we need to do something about our sins! That is the way the Israelites should have reacted to Hosea’s
and the other prophets’ messages (92).

The writer is correct in this assessment. How did Peter feel when Jesus told him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For
you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Mark 8:33)? Jesus issued a stern rebuke, but Peter
continued to follow Him—possibly because he had learned over time that Jesus was always correct and that he had, in
fact, said something wrong. Likewise, we also, when rebuked, should evaluate our behavior—and repent when it is
necessary. Commended are those who receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls
(James 1:21).

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