Another lesson we can learn from Sister Marriott's experience that it's wiser to reprove in private than in public. Human beings are proud creatures, and we don't take well to being humiliated. When correction is needed, it's best to offer that correction in a way that allows the person being corrected to "save face." Otherwise, the individual's pride may prevent them from accepting the correction that is needed.
I hate to give so much advice that sounds like we're skirting around the issues or softening our stance. We must not do that, and thankfully we don't have to. We can be firm, yet gentle. We can be tactful without backing down. We're not toning down our message; we're striving to be mindful of when and how we say it. We're not changing our message; we're trying to convey it in a way that'll make it easier to receive. Kindness and thoughtfulness are virtues that this world could use a lot more of. Let's try to exercise those virtues, even when offering reproof.
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