“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”. (Matthew 18:15-17)

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Unwise criticism is the commonest and most hurtful thing in life, next to sin. Its acid touch burns and blights everywhere. Jesus gives us here the simple love-law of criticism; this: Never criticize anyone, with four qualifications:

• (1) except to help;
• (2) then alone with the person concerned;
• (3) then only from your knees and on your knees; and
• (4) in the spirit of utmost humility and persistent forgiving love.

When that fails personal responsibility ends. But—“love never faileth.”

“The Bent Knee Time” Samuel D. Gordon