Stern

Sometimes being stern comes across harsh, mean and unlovable. And yes, sometimes if our intentions are just that, then yes it encompasses all three of those things.

BUT. When our sternness is done out of sincere love and to teach, then I believe it expresses love.

Jesus was stern. His yes meant yes and His no meant no. His rules were His rules. His laws were His laws, and when those were broken or misconstrued, He meant business. His rebuking and teaching was stern, not because He demanded His way, but because He loved us and loves us. He wants the best for us and from us. His sternness is intended to purify, cleanse, renew, remind, and redirect us from that which is sinful, wrong and displease the Father.

The Pharisees and Sadducee's displayed the opposite kind of sternness. They were harsh, mean and unloving. Their intentions were always selfish.

When times call for sternness, be sure your heart's intentions are aligned with the Word of God and the leading of the Spirit.

It's never easy to give or receive, but if we will allow it, it will teach us and help us grow.

So as you study God's Word today, remember this, "For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." Hebrews 12:6