A topic I’ve revisited a number of times arises again. How do we balance the need to inspire and motivate students with the need to critique and even rebuke them at times? Christ doesn’t call us to be ‘nice,’ but loving. They are quite different.
But then I run into a verse in church like Galatians 6:1.
The RSV states “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
This isn’t too terribly hard to accept. But if you read it in Eugene Peterson’s “The Message,” he gives it a much different spin:
“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.”
