Those whom God has set apart as ministers of righteousness have solemn responsibilities laid upon them to reprove the sins of the people. Paul commanded Titus: “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” There are ever those who will despise the one who dares to reprove sin; but there are times when reproof must be given. Paul directs Titus to rebuke a certain class sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. Men and women who, with their different organizations, are brought together in church capacity have peculiarities and faults. As these are developed, they will require reproof. If those who are placed in important positions never reproved, never rebuked, there would soon be a demoralized condition of things that would greatly dishonor God. But how shall the reproof be given? Let the apostle answer: “With all long-suffering and doctrine.” Principle should be brought to bear upon the one who needs reproof, but never should the wrongs of God’s people be passed by indifferently. {3T 358.3}

På dem, som Gud har udkåret til at være retfærdighedens tjenere, er det højtidelige ansvar blevet lagt at straffe (359) folkets synder. Paulus befalede Titus: »Tal således og forman og irettesæt med al myndighed; lad ingen ringeagte dig!« Der findes altid nogle, som vil foragte dem, der vover at irettesætte synd; men der er tider, da irettesættelse må gives. Paulus pålægger Titus at irettesætte en vis klasse mennesker skarpt, for at de må blive sunde i troen. De mænd og kvinder, der med deres forskellige indstilling føres sammen i menigheden, har ejendommeligheder og mangler. Efter som disse udvikles, vil de kræve tilrettevisning. Dersom de, der beklæder vigtige stillinger, aldrig irettesatte og aldrig straffede, ville der snart indtræde fordærvede tilstande, som i høj grad ville vanære Gud. Men hvorledes skal tilrettevisning gives? Lad apostelen svare: »Med al langmodighed og belæring.« Den, der behøver tilrettevisning, bør stilles over for principper; men aldrig bør Guds folks forsyndelser forbigås med ligegyldighed.