MAY THEME – CHURCH ALIVE: Living As His Body In A Broken World.

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

EMBRACING LOVE’S CORRECTION

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” — Proverbs 27:6

When King David fell into grievous sin with Bathsheba, God didn’t abandon him—He sent a faithful friend. Nathan the prophet stood before the king with a bold and broken heart, confronting him not with condemnation but with truth wrapped in love (2 Samuel 12). David’s response wasn’t pride or resistance—it was repentance. Psalm 51 was born out of that painful yet purifying moment. Correction, though uncomfortable, became the very doorway to David’s restoration.

Correction is never easy—but it’s one of the greatest evidences of love. Ask the Lord today to soften your heart toward those who care enough to tell you the truth, even when it stings. Invite God to place people in your life who aren’t impressed by you but are committed to your growth. And when the Holy Spirit prompts you to correct someone else, do it not to wound—but to win them. Correction done in the Spirit will convict, not crush. Remember: Love doesn’t look the other way. It looks you in the eye and says, “I care too much to stay silent.”

One day, a pastor was gently pulled aside by a trusted friend after preaching a message. The friend quietly said, “Brother, I think your tone may have overshadowed your truth today.” At first, the pastor felt defensive—his heart had been sincere, and his intentions pure. But later that evening, as he reflected on both his words and the loving correction, the Holy Spirit began to convict him. The friend had been right. Though the correction stung, it became a turning point. What felt like a wound was actually a gift—one that shaped him into a more Christlike communicator. That moment didn’t tear him down; it lifted him closer to the heart of God.

Prayer:  Father, give me a teachable spirit. Help me see correction as a gift, not a threat. Remove pride and replace it with humility. And when it’s my turn to speak truth into someone else’s life, may I do it with Your wisdom, clothed in gentleness, soaked in love, and guided by the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reach out to someone you trust and ask them, “Is there anything you see in me that I might be blind to?” Listen with humility. And if the Lord leads you to speak truth to someone else today, pray first—then speak with grace.

When was the last time someone corrected you in love—and how did you respond? What might God be trying to develop in you through that moment?

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Ann Stanley – Waiting On Heart Valve 

Gail Sparks  

James Garner

Roy Loyd

Steven Parker

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners  

Danny Jarrard 

Darlene Wiggins

David Newby

Debbie Foskey

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gayle Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

George Calhoon

James Burnette

James Parker

Jessica Headrick

Jodi Bateman 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda

Lee Cronan

Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah 

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary William’s Granddaughter

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Marynell Ford  

Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Pastor Driskell 

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter

Tom Witcher