In the Bible, to admonish means to counsel or warn someone earnestly, often about their behavior or spiritual state, in order to guide them towards correction or improvement. It reflects a motivational push towards righteousness, as seen in passages like Colossians 3:16, where believers are encouraged to teach and admonish one another.
Scripture
5 Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Biblical Meaning of Admonish
The broader Biblical concept of admonishing extends beyond mere correction; it embodies a deep-rooted sense of community and responsibility among believers. In Colossians 3:16, the admonishment is linked to teaching and mutual encouragement, underscoring that it is a communal effort to uphold one another in faith. This act of admonishment is not just about pointing out faults but is intended to foster growth in righteousness and cultivate a loving and supportive environment within the church community. Additionally, the practice of admonishing is rooted in love, as seen in Ephesians 4:15, where the Apostle Paul speaks of “speaking the truth in love.” This highlights that admonishment should be done with compassion and care, reinforcing the idea that correction should aim at restoration rather than condemnation.
Moreover, to admonish is a reflection of God’s desire for His people to live in alignment with His will. Proverbs 27:17 mentions, “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” emphasizing the importance of accountability and relationships in strengthening faith. Through admonishment, believers are reminded of their shared commitment to holiness and sanctification, making it a crucial component of spiritual discipleship. The act of admonishing is not merely an isolated action but a continual process that fosters growth, accountability, and deeper relationships among believers, ultimately reflecting the love and grace of God that guides His children towards a more abundant life in Christ.
Admonishing, as represented in biblical literature, serves as a means of correction and guidance that should always be underscored by the desire for reconciliation and community enhancement. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the importance of this practice within the church body, particularly as an expression of the love that should characterize Christian relationships. This is illustrated in Romans 15:14, where Paul notes that the Roman believers are “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” Here, admonishment is viewed as a natural outgrowth of mutual encouragement and the richness of their shared faith, suggesting that all members have a role in edifying one another.
Furthermore, admonition can also be perceived as an act of discipleship, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where believers are encouraged to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” This passage reinforces the idea that the act of admonishing is closely tied to the encouragement of positive actions and the fostering of a spirit of service and community life. Such an encouraging admonishment seeks to inspire growth not just by highlighting shortcomings but by actively promoting good works and love within the framework of community. Therefore, admonishing transcends mere correction; it embodies a life shared in faith, nurturing relationships that lead individuals toward holiness and a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for their lives.
The Call to Accountability
In the biblical context, to admonish is to hold one another accountable for their actions and behaviors. This involves a loving and constructive approach to correction, encouraging individuals to reflect on their choices and align them with God’s teachings. Admonishment serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical standards set forth in scripture, fostering a community where individuals support each other in their spiritual growth.
Encouragement Towards Righteousness
Admonishing also carries the connotation of encouraging others to pursue righteousness and live according to God’s will. It is not merely about pointing out faults but also about guiding individuals towards a path of virtue and holiness. This aspect of admonishment emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and the role of community in nurturing faith and moral integrity.
The Role of Wisdom in Admonition
Biblical admonishment is deeply rooted in wisdom and discernment. It requires understanding the right time and manner to address issues, ensuring that the approach is both respectful and constructive. This wisdom is essential in fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to receive correction and are more likely to respond positively, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and deeper relationships within the faith community.
How to Embrace Growth in Your Christian Journey
Embracing growth in your Christian journey is a beautiful and transformative process that requires both intention and openness. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to challenge and inspire you daily; consider keeping a journal to reflect on your thoughts and prayers, which can help you track your spiritual progress. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and uplift you, as fellowship is vital for growth—don’t hesitate to share your struggles and victories with them. Remember, growth often comes through trials, so embrace challenges as opportunities to deepen your faith and reliance on God. Lastly, be patient with yourself; spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and every step, no matter how small, is significant in drawing you closer to Christ. Trust in His timing, and let His love guide you as you seek to become the person He created you to be.
Bible References to Admonishment Meaning:
Romans 15:14-16: 14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God
16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-14: 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
And to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
Colossians 3:16-17: 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
2 Timothy 4:2-4: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Titus 3:10-11: 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Hebrews 3:12-14: 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.
13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Ephesians 4:25-27: 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Galatians 6:1-2: 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 18:15-17: 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
1 Corinthians 4:14-16: 14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
15 For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless,
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15: 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Acts 20:31-32: 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
1 Timothy 5:20-21: 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.