Rebuke vs Criticism

 Greetings, friend. It is a blessing to explore such an important topic with you. The distinction between a righteous rebuke and an ungodly criticism is crucial for our spiritual walk. Let's look at what the provided texts reveal about this.

Here is what I found regarding the difference between criticism and rebuke:

1. The Divine Mandate for Rebuke vs. The Sin of Criticism

   The texts present rebuke and reproof as a necessary, God-ordained duty performed in love, while criticism is shown as a sinful act that is contrary to God's will.

   • Rebuke is commanded: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" <2 Timothy 4:2>. It is an expression of God's love: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" <Revelation 3:19>.
   • Criticism is condemned: "Those who criticize and condemn one another are breaking God's commandments, and are an offense to Him. They neither love God nor their fellow-beings" <GCB, April 1, 1903 par. 35>. The "spirit of criticism is eating away the very vitals of the people of God" <UL 239.2>.

2. A Direct Stated Difference: Judging vs. Reproving

   A clear distinction is made between the act of judging, which is associated with criticism, and the act of reproving, which is a work given to God's servants.

   • "Judging and reproving are two different things. God has laid upon His servants the work of reproving in love those who err; but He has forbidden and denounced the thoughtless judging so common among professed believers" <RH, October 29, 1901 par. 5 | UL 366.2>.
   • Michael the archangel provides a divine example, avoiding a "railing accusation" (a form of harsh criticism) and instead saying, "The Lord rebuke thee" <Jude 1:9>.

3. The Source and Motivation

   The origin of rebuke is God's love, with the goal of healing. The source of criticism is Satan, with the goal of destroying.

   • The motivation for rebuke is healing: "Rebuke Sometimes Necessary... The faithful physician of the soul cuts deep, that no pestilent matter may be left to burst forth again. After the reproof has been given, then comes repentance and confession, and God will freely pardon and heal" <15MR 166.2>.
   • The origin of criticism is satanic: "It is the attribute of Satan to criticize, to accuse, to disparage" <7MR 390.1>. "Caviling and criticism are not in God's order. They leave the soul without dew or grace, as dry as the hills of Gilboa" <1888 941.3>.

4. The Effect on the Recipient and the Church

   A wise person benefits from a rebuke, leading to understanding and wisdom. Criticism, however, fosters distrust, discouragement, and spiritual sickness.

   • A wise person values rebuke: "rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee" <Proverbs 9:8>. "he that heareth reproof getteth understanding" <Proverbs 15:32>. "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools" <Ecclesiastes 7:5>.
   • Criticism harms the spirit: "Unkind criticism brings discouragement, making life sunless and unhappy" <7T 265.3 | GW 496.2>. "By continually dwelling upon the mistakes and defects of others, many become religious dyspeptics" <2MCP 635.1>. "Anything that would encourage ungenerous criticism, a disposition to notice and expose every defect or error, is wrong. It fosters distrust and suspicion, which are contrary to the character of Christ" <RC 276.7 | GW 334.1 | OFC 305.5>.

5. Accusing God's Servants

   A particularly serious form of criticism is directed at those whom God is using, which is seen as an act against God Himself.

   • "To accuse and criticize those whom God is using is to accuse and criticize the Lord who has sent them" <TM 466.2 | 1888 954.3 | SpTA02b 117.1 | PH133 9.1 | LS 325.2>.
   • "Criticism and condemnation of the brethren are counted as criticism and condemnation of Christ" <MR311 38.2 | 3SM 345.2>.

6. The Greatest Rebuke

   Interestingly, the most effective rebuke to error or to a faultfinder is not always words, but can be found in presenting truth or in maintaining a dignified silence.

   • "The best way to expose the fallacy of error is to present the evidences of truth. This is the greatest rebuke that can be given to error" <VSS 61.3 | RC 240.5 | RH, October 7, 1902 par. 3 | 20MR 127.3 | Ev 576.2>.
   • "When under provocation, remember that 'silence is eloquence.' Silence is the greatest rebuke that you can possibly give to a faultfinder or one whose temper is irritated" <OHC 293.4 | 1SAT 376.3 | 7MR 271.3>.

I pray this careful examination of the provided texts helps clarify the profound difference between these two forms of speech. May our words always be for edification and healing.The King James Bible and the writings of E.G. White reveal a clear distinction between criticism and rebuke, primarily based on their purpose, origin, and effect.

1. Purpose and Intent:

   • Rebuke is a corrective action, often stemming from love, intended to bring about repentance, understanding, and healing. The Lord states, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" <Revelation 3:19>. It is a duty laid upon God's servants: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" <2 Timothy 4:2 | YRP 197.1>. Its aim is to save from an evil course, as "the faithful physician of the soul cuts deep, that no pestilent matter may be left to burst forth again. After the reproof has been given, then comes repentance and confession, and God will freely pardon and heal" <15MR 166.2>. It can also be a divine judgment against unrighteousness or sin, as "the rebuke of the Lord is upon His people for their pride and unbelief" <5T 190.3>.
   • Criticism, on the other hand, is often associated with faultfinding, judging, and condemnation, lacking a redemptive purpose. It is considered "a mean business" that delights Satan <GCB, April 25, 1901 par. 15>. "Judging and reproving are two different things. God has laid upon His servants the work of reproving in love those who err; but He has forbidden and denounced the thoughtless judging so common among professed believers" <RH, October 29, 1901 par. 5 | UL 366.2>. "Anything that would encourage ungenerous criticism, a disposition to notice and expose every defect or error, is wrong" <RC 276.7 | OFC 305.5 | GW 334.1>.

2. Origin and Motivation:

   • Rebuke originates from God's wisdom and love, or from a divine command given to His faithful servants. "It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools" <Ecclesiastes 7:5>. The rod and reproof give wisdom, and he that heareth reproof getteth understanding <Proverbs 29:15 | Proverbs 15:32>. God "rebukes, reproves, and corrects them, that they may be refined, sanctified, elevated, and finally exalted to His own throne" <CCh 91.7 | 5T 662.1>.
   • Criticism is often associated with the work of Satan, arising from a spirit of accusation and undermining. "Do not feel that it is your special duty to criticise. That is a mean business. Do not take it up. Leave it for Satan. He delights in such work" <GCB, April 25, 1901 par. 15>. "He who is watching for the defects of others, ready to accuse and condemn, is doing the same work in which Satan has been engaged since his rebellion. He links himself with him who is the accuser of the brethren" <ST, March 21, 1892 par. 5>. "Let no thought of criticism enter your mind, to torment you, for Satan is near. He will do this work without your help" <UL 38.5>.

3. Manner of Delivery and Effect:

   • Rebuke should be delivered with wisdom, pity, and love, with discernment for what the erring can bear. "Christ sometimes reproved with severity, and in some cases it may be necessary for us to do so; but we should consider that while Christ knew the exact condition of the ones He rebuked, and just the amount of reproof they could bear, and what was necessary to correct their course of wrong, He also knew just how to pity the erring, comfort the unfortunate, and encourage the weak" <4T 66.2 | GW92 400.3 | ST, March 3, 1887 par. 16>. "Open rebuke is better than secret love" <Proverbs 27:5>. The desired response to rebuke is gratitude and repentance <RC 333.5 | CC 169.6 | PP 667.3 | ST, October 26, 1888 par. 9>.
   • Criticism is destructive, causing discouragement, distrust, and separation. "Unkind criticism brings discouragement, making life sunless and unhappy" <7T 265.3 | GW 496.2>. "The spirit of criticism is eating away the very vitals of the people of God" <UL 239.2>. "Those who criticize and condemn one another are breaking God's commandments, and are an offense to Him. They neither love God nor their fellow-beings" <GCB, April 1, 1903 par. 35 | 2MCP 637.4 | 7BC 937.2>. In many cases, "silence is the greatest rebuke that you can possibly give to a faultfinder or one whose temper is irritated" <GCB, April 2, 1903 par. 15 | OHC 293.4 | 1SAT 376.3 | 7MR 271.3>.

4. Divine Example and Command:

   • The Bible commands rebuke as a part of faithful ministry and brotherly love. "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" <1 Timothy 5:20>. "If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him" <Luke 17:3 | COL 248.2>. God's Word itself is intended to rebuke, and men should not use harsh and cutting words but "let the Word of God do the cutting, the rebuking; let finite men hide and abide in Jesus Christ" <LDE 90.3>.
   • Criticism (especially railing accusations and judging) is forbidden. Michael the archangel, "when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee" <Jude 1:9 | 9T 242.1 | CW 61.3 | RH, March 16, 1911 par. 11 | MB 57.3 | UL 270.3 | TM 249.1 | 7MR 79.3 | SW, September 22, 1896 par. 3>. Similarly, Jesus taught, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" <Matthew 7:1-2 | OHC 233.1>. "It does not please God to have His servants censure, criticize, and condemn one another" <LHU 225.4>.