Title

The Church Is the Gate To the City

Scripture
They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.
(Amos 5:10)
Devotional
In ancient times, the wise and elders stood at the gates of the cities. They judged everyday matters and gave godly counsel. These men were revered and highly respected. This tradition has waned in most cultures including ours. Nevertheless, there remain wise, godly men and women who have both the wisdom and authority to rebuke those who are going astray. If you are blessed enough to find them, by no means hate them, but by all means embrace them. The prophet Amos says in verse 15, “Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate.”(1)
There is a gate to your city. Most likely it will be found around the corner in a local church. There you will find the wise men of the city. Go there and listen with an ear toward obedience. Do not hate the one who rebukes in the gate, nor abhor the one who speaks uprightly.

(1) Amos 5:15