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Receiving AdmonitionThe word admonition means a warning, caution, or instruction given to help a person avoid error, danger, or sin. In Scripture, admonition is not meant to tear a person down but to keep him from going down the wrong path. It is God's loving warning before greater consequences arrive."A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” - Proverbs 1:5 Most people enjoy encouragement and praise. But when admonition comes, many become offended. They feel criticized or singled out. Yet biblical admonition is not an act of hatred—it is often an act of love.Admonition is God's way of saying, "Danger ahead." It is like a lighthouse warning a ship before it strikes the rocks. The purpose is not to shame the sailor but to save the ship.Too often, people focus on the discomfort of the warning rather than the danger being warned about. If a bridge were out ahead, would you be offended by the warning sign? No—you would be grateful someone cared enough to place it there.The same is true spiritually.God warns us because He knows where sin leads. He knows the consequences of pride, bitterness, immorality, anger, deception, and unbelief. His admonitions are not intended to rob us of joy but to spare us from sorrow."Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” - Proverbs 12:1 (KJV)A wise believer asks, "Why is God warning me?" rather than, "Why is someone correcting me?" The first response produces humility; the second often produces offense. The proud heart sees admonition as an attack.The humble heart sees admonition as protection."He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” Proverbs 10:17 The next time admonition comes from God's Word, a pastor, a parent, a friend, or the Holy Spirit working in your conscience, resist the urge to be offended. Ask yourself: Could God be warning me because He loves me? The lighthouse does not shine to condemn the ship. It shines to keep the ship from destruction. So it is with God's admonition. A Final ThoughtAdmonition is God's warning before the wound. The wise hear it. The humble heed it. The fool ignores it.And the difference between safety and shipwreck is often found in whether we are willing to receive God's warning.