As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)

The Book of Revelation describes seven churches in seven cities, and how Christ delivered a unique message to each of them. Christ had to do so because some of these churches had lost their focus, and others were fighting opposing forces that sought to undermine their faith.

The Lord, just as He did with His disciples during His earthly ministry, was strengthening these churches in their faith in the face of adversity. Except for Smyrna and Philadelphia, Christ corrected each church for failing to remain faithful and firm.

It is important to understand the distinction between correction and condemnation.

Often, believers appear to confuse these two terms, and they end up hurting and wounding each other by applying God's Word incorrectly in dealing with sin and shortcomings. Or they mistakenly believe that there is no need for correction in the church because everyone is "under grace, not under law."

Condemnation brings a person down, while correction builds them up.

Consider Christ's words, "as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." "Rebuke" (elegch) means "to bring light, expose" (Strong's G1651), and "chasten" (paideu) means "to train" (Strong's G3811). By understanding "rebuke and chasten" in their proper contexts, you will see that Christ was not tearing down His Church, but rather building it up with grace and power.

Christ cared for the seven churches, no matter how flawed or imperfect they were, and He still called them His own. He corrected them by revealing to them who they truly are in Him and what they are called to be through Him. Similarly, Christ has the same message for His people today, and I believe every church and believer should open their hearts to discern and listen to what He is saying right now.