Balancing Critique and Gentleness in Preaching Extrabiblical Examples
Balancing Critique and Gentleness in Preaching
Preaching is a delicate task that requires balancing critique and gentleness. The biblical account of Jesus Christ provides an exemplary model for this balance. Jesus was known for his meekness and gentleness, yet he was also unafraid to critique the Pharisees and other religious leaders of his time [2].
The apostle Paul also exemplified this balance in his preaching. He exhorted Titus to speak with "sound speech that cannot be condemned" and to exhort others with "meekness" and "fear" [4]. Similarly, in his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul described himself as being treated with both "honour and dishonour" and "evil report and good report," yet remaining steadfast in his commitment to preaching the gospel [6].
The early church fathers also grappled with the challenge of balancing critique and gentleness in preaching. John Chrysostom, for example, was known for his eloquence and his ability to rebuke sin without being harsh or judgmental [3].
In the Reformed tradition, John Calvin emphasized the importance of balancing critique and gentleness in preaching. He argued that preachers should be "instructing opposers with meekness" and that their speech should be "seasoned with salt" to be both "profitable and delightful" [5, 7].
The key to achieving this balance lies in cultivating humility and meekness. As the biblical proverb states, "humility is before honour" [1]. Preachers who embody these virtues are better equipped to critique their listeners without being confrontational or alienating.
In practice, this means that preachers should strive to be aware of their tone and language, using "sound speech" that is both "plain" and "acceptable" to their audience [4]. They should also be mindful of their own motivations, ensuring that their critique is driven by a desire to edify and instruct, rather than to condemn or belittle.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: rare felicity, on passing into a modern language. His dramatic manner indeed, which was one of the great charms of his oratory among the Greeks, and his rapid and ingenious selection and variation of topics, these may in some measure be retained, and may serve to give even English readers some faint notion of the eloquence which produced so powerful effects on the susceptible people of the East. “However, it is not of course as composition that we desire to call attention to these or any other of the remains of the Fathers. Nor would this topic h”
- Titus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Titus 2:6: Sound speech that cannot be condemned,.... In the public ministry, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus should be used, and the doctrines of the Gospel be expressed, as near as can be, in the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, and not in the enticing words of man's wisdom; such speech or language should be chosen, that is plain, easy, and acceptable, and conveys just ideas of things; and which being agreeable to the Scriptures of truth, and the analogy of faith, cannot be justly found fault with: or this may refer to private conversation, in which no rotten speech, o”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.5: more recently been subjected. Still his verbal criticisms are neither few nor unimportant, though he lays comparatively little stress upon them himself. 5 5 The reader is referred, for full information on this subject, to a small volume entitled, “The Merits of Calvin as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures,” by Professor Tholuck of Halle. To which are added, “Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars as to the Importance of the Writings of John Calvin.” With a Preface by the Revelation William Pringle. ”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 6:7: By honour and dishonour,.... Some persons think and speak honourably of us, and behave in a reverent manner towards us; they wish us well, bid us God speed, receive us into their houses, and treat us with respect: others think meanly of us, speak of us with the utmost contempt, and use us as if we were the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things; so we pass through the world; this is the treatment we meet with on the right hand and on the left; nor are we much affected with it: by evil report and good report; as it fares with our persons, so with”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 39.5: which tend to hilarity may have no empty savor. “ Leave to unbelievers that foolish delight which they take from ludicrous and frivolous jests and witticisms; 453 453 “ Plaisanteries pleines de vanite et niaiserie ;” — “Pleasantries full of vanity and silliness.” and let your communications, not merely those that are grave, but those also that are joyful and exhilarating, contain something profitable. In place of their obscene, or at least barely modest and decent , songs, it becomes you to make use of hymns and so”