The first part of Paul’s admonition to his son in the faith (2 Timothy 4:2) usually delights a pastor’s heart: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” Most of us love to preach. But the next two things Paul commands make the pastorate a much more difficult, uncomfortable calling: “…reprove, rebuke…” Reproving or rebuking (similar, but slightly different) another believer is not likely to win the pastor many friends in a self-esteem culture that says if you love me, you’ll affirm me. Being corrected—set straight in light of the truth—is not at the top of many people’s bucket list.

What is reproof? In his excellent article, “Reproof Is a Pastor’s Gift of Love,” Dan Doriani defines it as one person confronting another “to show a fault, to refute, rebuke, or reveal error.” Further, he writes, “Reproof is also an act of love, since it points out errors in doctrine and practice.” An act of love? Absolutely. Because it aims at doing what Jesus did for the one lost sheep: he left the 99 who were safe and went after the one that had wandered away. Reproof is obeying Paul’s critical admonition in 2 Timothy 4:16: “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Reproof is seldom enjoyable, but it’s a critical tool in the pastor’s box. It’s loving and necessary, and Doriani makes a compelling case for winsome rebuke. I encourage you to read the whole thing.