Speaking Against Others

Years ago while in Bible school, one of our teachers taught us a lesson that I immediately put into practice and this has been a great help in my ministry: When dealing with someone that has passed their limits and should be brought back in line. To be a blessing to the person, do not begin with their fault(s), but begin by telling them of their positive traits, then and only then do we speak to them about their shortcomings. An example, Revelations 2:2, Jesus tells the church in Ephesus, “I know your works, and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and thou hast tried them which say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars. And has borne, and hast patience and for my name’s sake hast labored and hast not fainted.” Then verse four tells us that He is going to tell them what He has against them, “NEVER THE LESS I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE.”

by James M. Burton