Brothers, if anyone is caught in a transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Galatians 6:1

Screen addiction is real. Whether the screen hangs on the wall or slips into a pocket, anyone can become addicted. Reproaching a grandchild, or even another adult, for unhealthy tech habits is only part of the answer. For a Christian, reproaching another, regardless of the behavior that needs correcting, begins with loving the other person. That’s sometimes forgotten when reproaching another. The goal is always to foster learning. Sometimes we are the learner. This fact is easy to miss at our age: we’ve simply experienced so much! And yet, criticizing someone might be awkward. A one-sided approach can become an opportunity to attack, control, or boost personal ego. Situations often offer growth potential for us, too, which offers an inclusive perspective of looking at reproach.

Mary Manz Simon
Ft. Myers, FL

Dear Lord, help me be open to teaching and learning in my relationships. Amen.

Reflect: What body language communicates a loving approach to reproach?

Read: Romans 14:19 and Proverbs 1:5