Let us learn well this lesson of reproving others very gently, very considerately, kindly, by a hint rather than a direct charge and detail of the wrong—by an inquiry respecting the present condition of their hearts rather than respecting a former condition, in which we know they have erred. We are to be less careful for the punishments that will follow wrongdoing than for the recovery of the erring one out of the error of his way. We are not to attempt to judge and punish one another for misdeeds, but rather to remember that all this is in the hands of the Lord; we are not in any sense of the word to avenge ourselves or to give any chastisement or recompense for evil.
To err is human, hence all commit faults. Helpfully to reprove is Divine, therefore but few can exercise this grace. Only the advanced Christian who has proper knowledge, love and self-control is capable of exercising well this office, and in his endeavor to help others, he must watch himself very carefully, lest while reproving others he himself should be found in fault.
Isa. 57:15; Rom. 15:1, 7; 1 Cor. 8:9, 11; 9:22; Heb. 12:13; Jas. 5:19, 20; Prov. 24:16; 28:5; Rom. 8:9, 14, 15; 1 Cor. 4:21; 2 Thes. 3:15; 2 Tim. 2:25; 1 Cor. 10:12.
