Don't tell me you love me

(For you Kid Rock fans out there)

New things: Salsa dancing

The other day I had to take my car in to get looked at.  I took it to Co Line Auto Service (CLAS) where they always take care of me and have my best interest.  Chris, one of the mechanics, called to advise me one option and ask a few questions.  One particular question, he changed his tone.  He seemed firm and father-like as he asked "how many miles over had it been before you got your oil changed?"  I knew it.  He caught me.  I had done something I knew I shouldn't have done.  I waited at least 2 months.  With a gentle rebuke, he made me understand the dangers of leaving it too long.  More damage could be had, an accident was possible, more money and labor could be avoided.  Then he instructed me to obey the sticker in the window.  Don't wait to obey, because that is still disobedience. 
Oh Chris cared about me that day.  Nothing selfish came from his rebuke.  He was gentle, compassionate, yet firm.  He taught me instead of judging me.  He was selfless and giving.  He urged me to obey to avoid the consequences later.  He might have even lost financially because I did not have damage for him to repair. He was loving his sister (They are Christians at CLAS)!

I thought about his rebuke today.  I have a friend that I have had to rebuke, I pray I was gentle as Chris.  But I also was rebuked by a friend today for my own sin.  It is hard to give and accept rebukes but when done correctly it is the same as saying "I love you", just without fuzzy feelings inside.  More importantly a gentle rebuke keeps the integrity of the Gospel.  Don't call yourself a Christian if you walk in darkness.  Don't tell me you love me if you don't care how I'm behaving! 
"Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed" proverbs 27:5